Linda Watson

Linda Ann Pratt Watson, age 80, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Encore Heart Hospital, surrounded by her loving family at her bedside.
Born on February 27, 1945, to Elder Henry and Nuel Chambers Gardner in Camden, Linda lived a life devoted to faith, family, and service. A proud and compassionate caregiver, she spent 45 years as a Recovery Room Nurse at Baptist Health Hospital. Nursing was not just her career but her calling-she poured her heart into every patient, treated each one as if they were her own family, and mentored countless colleagues along the way. She truly left a lasting mark on all who knew her.
Above all, Linda was a wonderful and devoted mother. She raised her children, Ryan and Misty, with unconditional love, strength, and wisdom, and she never missed an opportunity to support them in every season of life. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her own children, touching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all knew her as their greatest cheerleader and guiding light.
Linda was also a devoted Christian who loved the Lord fiercely. Together with her late husband, Edward Watson, they supported mission work in Mexico, dedicating much of their life to helping others find faith. She traveled extensively, including four trips to Jerusalem, and treasured the many cruises she enjoyed with her daughter. Her kindness, patience, gentleness, and unwavering love will be remembered always.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Nuel Chambers Gardner; her beloved husband of 27 years, Edward Watson; and her son, Ryan Pratt.
She is survived by her daughter, Mistena Walls (Ronnie), her son, Bill Watson (Suellen), her daughter, Linda Solloway, her son, Rusty Parker (Juanita), and her adopted daughter from Mexico, Luz Serta Rodriguez (Daniel). Linda was the proud grandmother of Brittany Dotson, Triston Rea, Ashton Rea, Tyler Pratt, Tatum Walls, Alexis Childers, Elizabeth Barentine, Cade Walls, Emily Walls, Billy Watson, Nick Watson, Josh Watson, and Julie Bohannon; and the cherished great-grandmother of Preslee Ann LaGrappe, Jude Dotson, Annie Grace Rea, Isabella Pratt, Hudson Williams, Theo Bohannon, Ava Barentine, Ellie Barentine, Madison Childers, Riley Childers, and Preston Childers. She is also survived by her sister, Merilyn Hicks; niece, Tara Hicks; nephew, Jeff Pratt; along with many dear cousins, extended family, and friends who loved her deeply.
Visitation was 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 22 at Holland Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 23 at Holland Chapel with burial to follow at Salem Cemetery in East End. Honorary pallbearers will be Brent Johnson, Kyle Williamson, Derrick Fleming, Burt Starrett, Dewayne Shellnut, Ronnie Worring, and Breit Hicks.
In honor of Linda's generous spirit, memorials may be made to Samaritan's Purse (P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607), Arkansas Hospice (14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116 or to a charity of your choice.
Linda's faith, her devotion as a mother and grandmother, and her deep love for family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.