Wilma Henrietta Watson

Wilma Henrietta Watson, 89, a lifelong resident of Center Line and a woman whose warmth reached everyone she met, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2026, surrounded by the family she cherished.

She was born May 25, 1936 in Bremen, Germany to the late Hendriech and Frieda Dunker.

Born in Germany, Wilma took a courageous leap at the age of 16, immigrating to the United States. She remained deeply proud of her German heritage throughout her life, embodying a legendary work ethic and a spirit that knew no strangers. On September 13, 1958, she married James C. Watson in Center Line. Together, they built a life defined by devotion until his passing on February 2, 2008.

Wilma was the heart of every family gathering. Whether she was knitting a new creation, hunting for deals at Kohl's, or enjoying a trip to the casino, she did so with a social energy that drew people to her. She was famously known for the simple, disciplined joy of hanging her laundry to dry and her ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, turning a brief encounter into a lasting friendship.

She is survived by her children: James Watson, Pamela (John) Graber, Steve Watson, and Lynn (Ken) Masse. She was the adored grandmother of Joshua (Lesley) Graber, Rachel (Kyle) Bondy, Lauren (Ryan) Kriebel, Joel Masse, James Miller, Carolyn Watson, Timothy (Bryn) Masse, and Aaron Masse; and the proud great-grandmother of Lily, Blythe, Heidi, Olive, Mitchell, McKenzie, and Aubrey.

Wilma is predeceased by her husband James; daughter Heidi, daughter in law Connie Watson and siblings Dirk (Annelie) Dunker, Joan (Ted) Kosmowski and Helga (Fritz) Herrmann.

The family honors the memory of Wilma and invites you to visit and share memories Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kaatz Funeral Directors, Mt. Clemens.