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Shelby Watson Obituary
Madison
Shelby Thompson McKay Watson entered into the presence of her loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, January 6, 2012. Born August 13, 1934, she lived a full life of loving, enjoying and caring for others. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 33 years, Henri P.Watson, Jr. Together they enjoyed a rich life of family, friends, travel, and service and hosted myriads of people at their farm in Madison. They are founding members of Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church in Madison. Shelby was a lifelong resident of the Jackson area and attended college at MSCW in Columbus. She was Volunteer Director at Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson, taught swimming to numerous children, was actively involved in Junior League of Jackson and numerous luncheon clubs, Bible study groups and community organizations.
Their wonderfully blended families consist of Christopher Watson (Ridgeland), Phillip Watson (West Chester, PA), Jimmy Watson (Kalispell, MT), Virginia Watson Griffee (Memphis) Jimmy McKay (Madison), Paul Watson (Ridgeland), Ev McKay Barrett (Oxford), Laurie McKay Nordan (Madison) and Kennard McKay (Hattiesburg), their spouses, eighteen grandchildren, one great grandson and her brother, Allen C. Thompson, Jr. of Memphis. Her parents, former Mayor Allen C and Evana Thompson and her brother, Bill Thompson of Madison, precede her in death. Her former husband, Jim McKay, also precedes her in death.
Shelby's legacy of faith and devotion to her family, her church and her friends is immeasurable. Because of her love for Jesus Christ and her knowledge that every person is created in His image, she loved and cared for each person with whom she came in contact in a unique and selfless way. She epitomized southern charm, grace and hospitality.
Visitation will be at Wright and Ferguson in Ridgeland from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 8 and at 10:00 A.M. prior to the funeral service at Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church. Services will be at Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church on Monday, January 9 at 11:00 A.M. followed by interment at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Lexington, MS. Memorials may be made to Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church, 307 New Mannsdale Rd. Madison, MS 39110, or to a charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shelby Watson
Eunice Thompson
January 31, 2012
Shelby was as regal as Princess Dianna, yet so warm and loving. She was inspirational to everyone. The light of Christ showed through her to all! Love always, Milton and Eunice Thompson
Sherri Hughes
January 12, 2012
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Shelby will be missed at the Arbor. She's one of the very sweetest patients ever. Praying for you all...
Davi Turner
January 10, 2012
What a gracious and beautiful southern lady. She will be truly missed.
Patricia McKay
January 10, 2012
Shelby was absolutely the most beautiful person, both inside as well as outside, we have ever known. Her loving nature and graciousness were supreme. We can't imagine that anyone could be missed more than she will be by her family and friends. Our hearts are truly sad.
Barbara Thames-Rush
January 9, 2012
Jimmy. I am so very sorry. Just please know that mine, Charlie's, and Mary Frances' love, thoughts, and prayers go out to you and your family. With deepest sympathy, Barbie
Catherine (Cackie) Mills Houlahan
January 9, 2012
I send love and prayers for comfort to my godmother's amazing circle of family and friends. She was nothing less than an inspiration to me in many ways, throughout my life. The twinkle in her eye, her warm laugh, and infectious smile will light my memory of her for as long as I live.
Betsy Bailey
January 9, 2012
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to Henri, Ev and Johnny, and the many other Watson and McKay children and grandchildren. Although I knew Shelby only through her daughter and my sister-in-law, Ev and my brother Johnny, I remember whenever I was around Shelby, she always had a smile on her face. Her apparent love and acceptance of others was evident in the way she made you feel comfortable and right at home and her children seem to have inherited these same beautiful qualities. She was a remarkable woman who inspires all of us to be more accepting and forgiving of others and to be grateful for all of our blessings - especially family.
Ev and Johnny, I'm thinking of you and have you in my prayers and send you all my love,
Betsy (Barrett) Bailey
January 9, 2012
May you find comfort from the God of all comfort.
Jay Wiener
January 9, 2012
Shelby was an exceptional individual who is irreplacable. She will be missed as much as anyone has ever been. Please be assured of my ongoing support and sympathy. My close association with the McKays and Watsons is an honor and privilege which is not taken lightly.
January 8, 2012
shelby was the second mom to all the little kids in meadow oaks and believe me there was alot of us. she was a wonderful wife a wonderful mom and a good friend. she will be sorely missed by all!
January 8, 2012
Henry and family, It is with a humble heart that we believe this sweet angel on earth ,Shelby,has now become a sweeter angel in heaven. We love her so much and will miss her sweet smile at church and everywhere else . We feel like she has added another bright light to heaven. God bless you all,her wonderful family and know you are always in our prayers...
love,terry and sharon jackson
Sue Warwick
January 8, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
George Donald
January 8, 2012
Shelby was the most postive lady I ever met. The love of God shown thoughr her with every word she spoke. She will be missed, but we all know she is HOME
Julie Gahagan
January 8, 2012
Shelby, through the grace of our Lord, was a light of truth which shaped so many women, including myself, through her Bible studies. With deep gratitude and love,
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home-Parkway Memorial Cemetery
January 7, 2012
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Funeral services provided by:
Parkway Funeral Home and Memorial Park1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS 39157
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