Earline Lee Watson

Earline Lee Phipps Watson, born on February 12, 1926, in Corsicana, Texas to the late Benjamin Thurman Phipps and Mary Emma English, passed away on January 26, 2025, at her residence in Kilgore, Texas. She was a beloved member of her community and a devoted family member.

While attending Kilgore College, Earline worked as an administrative assistant for the admissions office where she met Bill Watson returning from the navy after WW2. They married on March 1, 1947. As a constant sidekick to Bill, she was a regular presence, working the desk at his auctions. She spent most of her adult life as a homemaker, finding joy in gardening and cooking, but her favorite role was that of a wife, mother, and friend.

Earline and Bill were among the founding members of Kilgore Bible Church, where she shared her faith and generously ministered to others. Her dedication to both her church and her community is a testament to her spirit and values.

She is survived by her daughter, Gayla Watson Sellers and husband Kevin of Richardson, Texas; her grandchildren, Bryan Sellers of Kilgore; Laura Sellers Pace and husband Calen of Richardson, Texas; Jared Sellers and wife Caitlin of Richardson, Texas; Elizabeth Watson Thoma of Houston, Texas; and Maggie Jo Watson and husband Zach Looker-Vodak of Minneapolis, MN., great grandchildren, Porter Pace, Campbell Pace, Micah Pace, Lincoln Pace, Grace Sellers, Amelia Sellers, Hadley Watson, Charlie Watson, and Ryan Vodak as well as special niece, Annette Harris (“daughter #2”) and nephews A.J. Phipps, Joe Dean Phipps, and David Phipps along with her amazing caregivers Tina Rainwater (“granddaughter by choice”), Allie McNeil and Elvira Chavez.

Earline was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Arthur "Bill" Watson, who passed away in 2018; her son, Bart Watson; and six siblings.

Her legacy of love, service, and commitment to family and faith will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Memorial services for Earline Watson will be held at 11 am, Friday, February 7, 2025 at Kilgore Bible Church with Rev. Barry Metz and Rev. Nathan McCravey officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in her name to Kilgore Bible Church, 3810 County Line Road, Kilgore, Texas 75662 or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75701.