Emma Lou Watson was born March 31, 1929 in Providence, KY. She was the daughter of James W. and Emma F. (nee Dodge) Hooker. She died on July 16, 2026 at her residence in De Soto, MO at the age of 97 years. She is survived by her children, Donna L. “Dee” (John “Pete”) Dawes, De Soto, MO; Steve (Diane) Watson, St. Louis, MO; Dr. Suzanne (Brian Dreckshage) Watson, Ballwin, MO; William David Watson, Lawrence, KS; Jeff (Paige) Watson, Union, MO; eleven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 75 years, Dr. William W. “Doc” Watson; two sons, Billy Watson and Mike Watson; a daughter-in-law, Jane Watson; siblings, Aleen Ball, Harold Porter, Frances Curry, William “Dub” Porter, James Porter and Helen Vaughn. As an expression of sympathy memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice Care, 5272 Flat River Rd., Park Hills, MO 63601; American Diabetes Assoc., P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116 or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

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