Obituary published on Legacy.com by Welch Funeral Home on Sep. 1, 2025.
Jeanie (Wagner) Watson, known affectionately as "Grannie" by all of her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, passed away into the loving arms of her Savior on August 31, 2025, at the age of 70. Born on July 8, 1955, in Marshall, Texas, Jeanie lived a life marked by love, service, and unwavering faith. She departed from this world at her home in Whitehouse, Texas, after a valiant battle with metastatic melanoma, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and generosity.
Jeanie was a graduate of Marshall High School, class of 1973, and she carried the spirit of her hometown with her throughout her life. Her professional journey was diverse and impactful; she managed retail stores and restaurants, supported businesses as a secretary and assistant, and even shared her culinary talents with the community through her cottage bakery. Yet, it was her roles as a devoted wife to Tony Watson, a loving mother to Carol Oney Draven and her husband Dane, and a doting grandmother to Michael Lawrence that she cherished most deeply.
Her family circle extended further, encompassing her dear sister Wanese Wagner Rather and late husband Robert, III, brother Mark Wagner and wife Paula, brother-in-law Terry Watson, sister-in-law Laura Watson McClure and husband Calvin, and brother-in-law Jon Watson and wife Terri.
Her treasured nieces and nephews-Alison Smith Clay and husband Adam, Gregory McClure and wife Jennifer, Crystal McClure Forrest and husband Darel, Stephen Wagner and wife Alaina, Jacob Wagner and wife Cassie, Joshua Watson, Erin Watson Hicks and husband Michael, and Aaron Wagner and wife Valeria.
The joy of her life was further multiplied by her great-niece Lacey Clay, and great-nephews Spencer Clay and fiancée Isabella Desilva, Samuel and Levi Forrest, and many other great-nieces and great-nephews. Together, they all formed the tapestry of love and kinship that Jeanie wove with every action and every word.
Jeanie's Christian faith was the cornerstone of her existence. It guided her in her lifelong commitment to helping others, from her generous contributions to the Angel Tree at Christmas time to donating to various organizations, to her quiet, random acts of kindness. Her charitable heart understood the value of giving, not just in material terms, but in the time and love she shared so freely. In the words of Mother Teresa, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." Jeanie embodied this sentiment, touching lives with her loving, wise, and creative spirit.
As we bid farewell to Jeanie, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a journey completed with grace. Though she has left this earthly realm, her legacy of love endures, her lessons will continue to guide, and her memory will be forever cherished. She will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her nurturing soul.
In her passing, Jeanie has been reunited with her forebears in the glory of Heaven, and we take solace in knowing that she rests now in eternal peace. We honor her life by living out the example of compassion and kindness she set for us, and by keeping her spirit alive in our daily actions and thoughts.
A graveside service for Jeanie, will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, September 5th, 2025 under the pavilion at Algoma Cemetery North. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please make a contribution to the Melanoma Foundation through the
American Cancer Society, in honor of Jeanie.