Mary Jo Watson

Mary Jo Watson, devoted wife, loving mother, and beloved grandmother, went to be with her Lord on September 12, 2025, at the age of 82. Her life was a reflection of the power of love, faith, and service, and she leaves a legacy of compassion that will be remembered for all time.
Born May 28th, 1943, Mary Jo had a strong sense of community and compassion that she carried throughout her entire life. She married her college sweetheart Lloyd Watson, and together they established a loving home based on faith. Mary Jo was the ultimate nurturer as a mother. Her children never felt anything but that they were loved, supported, and appreciated no matter what. Being a grandmother, she had the pleasures of watching her grandchildren grow up, teaching them the same wisdom, warmth, and faith that she had taught her children.
Mary Jo was a retired school teacher in the MidDel school system and she enjoyed collecting antiques and Steiff teddy bears. When she wasn't busy with church activities, you could find her spending time at her farm making jelly, gardening and fishing.
Mary Jo's devout trust in God filled every aspect of her life. Her faith was her solid rock, guiding her through life's happy and sorrowful moments. She deeply believed in the importance of ministry to others, especially the children of her local community, and her everyday actions proved that faith.
Mary Jo devoted many years offering her time and effort serving children at her beloved church. She worked as a cook at Falls Creek, where she lovingly served meals to dozens of youth, never failing to ensure that there was no hungry child. Her kitchen was a sanctuary of comfort and sustenance, both body and soul. Mary Jo also led Vacation Bible School for several years, where her sweet nature and loving heart touched thousands of children, teaching them God's love through fun, participative lessons and activities.
Mary Jo's ministry of service to others was founded upon her belief that God had called her to care for God's children. Whatever the need, whether a gentle word, a helping hand, or a meal, she lived out her faith in action daily.
She was proceeded in death by her mother, Mary Robinson, her brothers, John Robinson and Charlie Robinson, her sister Laura Vandeventer, her son Lloyd Watson, and her granddaughter Emma Saunders.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Lloyd Watson; her sister, Martha George; her children, Cathy Nelsen and her husband, Cody; Martha Stefanko and her husband, Rodney; and her daughter-in-law, Martha Myers.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: David Watson, Jessica Reeves, Vance Little, Valen Little, Jacob Nelsen, and Madelyn Nelsen; her eight great-grandchildren: Auston, William, Landrie, Zoey, Olivia, Bryson, Eli, and Bishop; and one great-great-grandchild - all of whom will forever hold her memory in their hearts.
Mary Jo may no longer be on earth, but her legacy will be felt by family, church, and community for generations to come. She will be missed deeply, but we take comfort in knowing that she is in the arms of the Lord whom she loved so dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mary Jo's honor to the Oklahoma Baptist Home's for Children-- https://www.obhc.org/ Phone: 405.363.6242 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.