Stansyl McBay Watson

WAtson obit

Mrs. Stansyl McBay Watson passed away August 18, 2015 in Waco.

Memorial Service:  1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 22nd at First Methodist Church in Groesbeck.

She was born August 19, 1925 in Groesbeck to Stanley A. McBay and Margaret Gibson McBay. In 1932 she began attending the Groesbeck schools and graduated from Groesbeck High School in 1943.  She was awarded the eighth grade American Legion Award in 1939, which coincidentally was signed by her future father-in-law, J. E. Watson.

She attended Texas College for Women, now TWU, in Denton and graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1948. She married James L. Watson of Groesbeck in 1946, and they shared sixty-three years of married life. They fell in love and decided to marry while corresponding during World War II, while he was serving in the United State Navy.  She taught elementary school for over twenty years in Groveton, Killeen, Flat, and Trinity where she inspired many children to achieve their best.

Boots, as she was known by friends, and Jamie, her husband, raised their four children in Trinity. They traveled extensively in Europe, the United States, Mexico, and Canada. When she retired from teaching in Trinity, they returned to Groesbeck, where Boots became active again in the First United Methodist Church and the Shakespeare Club, as well the Limestone County Historical Society.

She is survived by her four children: James S. Watson and wife Diane of Crockett; Catherine Bralley of Waco; Robin Castillo of Colorado Springs; and Wendy Mitchell of Washington; her eight grandchildren: Jeffrey Watson and wife, Mindy, of Spring; Joshua Bralley, of Dallas; Jamie Gomez and husband, Brandon, of Austin; Elise Wilhoit and husband Austin, of Lenexa, Kansas; Molly and Matthew Mitchell of Pennsylvania, and Shane and Katie Castillo of Colorado Springs; and six great-grandsons.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James L. Watson, her sister, Joy McBay Smith, and her parents, Stanley A. McBay and Margaret Gibson McBay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Groesbeck.

Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.LakeShoreFH.com.

Contact Information:

Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5201 Steinbeck Bend Dr
Waco, TX 76708
United States (US)
Phone: (254) 752-5900

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Condolence Messages

  1. Chaplain Danny Tomlinson

    What a privilege and honor it was to provide care and support to this dear lady and her family. On behalf of Providence Hospice, we offer our sincere condolences. May you share many wonderful memories for generations to come of Ms. Watson. May God’s grace and peace keep you and bless you.

  2. Boots was such a great resident at Stillwell.. I was an employee there, and always enjoyed talking with her.. She was a sweet spirit and I am so grateful to have known her.. Condolences to all of her Family and Friends.. may she rest in peace..
    God Bless,
    KimLen Perreira

  3. Diana McBay Bradley

    James, Cathy, Robyn, and Wendy,

    I know what memories and laughter you will have reminiscing about your mother.
    I hope you can have a three way phone call
    often and do this.
    Jamie and Stansyl have to be talked about together like Mac and Udean.
    My son, Mark, remembers camping with the
    four of them.
    Love to all of you. Diana McBay Bradley

  4. Pat Havekost Hancock

    May Bootsie’s family b comforted at this difficult time. I was Sissie’s age but remember BBootsie & Jamey from our growing up in Groesbeck.

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