Betty Jo Watson of Council Hill passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in Checotah surrounded by her children and loved ones. She was 84 years old, but still young at heart! Betty was born on Friday, September 15, 1939, to Cleo and Gladys (Harris) Albert in Henryetta. She was the oldest of five children and grew-up in Dewar, where she was a proud graduate of Dewar High School’s Class of 1957.
As a teenager, Betty began working as a car-hop at a 1950’s drive-in diner in Henryetta, where she caught the eye of a frequent customer, Claude Watson, who became her future husband. They married on August 3, 1957. It was the happiest day of Betty’s life. She loved him up to the sky and back, sharing 34 years of love, laughter and countless family adventures. Claude and Betty dedicated their lives to Christ during a revival at First Assembly of God in Checotah in 1963 and raised-up their children in this church, as well. Betty stood faithfully by Claude’s side until he took his last breath on December 23, 1991.
While Betty worked several years at both White Stag Sewing Factory in Checotah and Ball Brother’s Glass Plant in Okmulgee, she discovered her life’s true calling when she graduated from Bacone College, with an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing in 1974. As a registered nurse for nearly 40 years, she was passionate about providing excellent care and making a positive difference in patient’s lives.
Betty also had many interests outside of work. For years, she enjoyed sewing clothes for herself and her children. She loved drinking a cup of coffee with Claude, while watching the sunset over their green pasture full of grazing cattle. She cherished holidays and hosted countless family celebrations. Christmas was her favorite time of the year and she was famous for keeping her tree up year-round and decorating it for every holiday of the year. Betty enjoyed reading and especially having her great-grandchildren read to her. She treasured God’s smallest creatures and kept a birdfeeder outside her window and delighted in watching her cardinals. And, she adored her Shih Tzu, “Precious,” who went everywhere with Betty – even to Walmart and numerous hospital stays!
Betty viewed each person as a unique child of God who deserved love, dignity and respect. In that spirit, she enjoyed making new friends and often struck up conversations with people everywhere – on airplanes, crowded elevators and even the grocery store checkout line.
Anyone fortunate enough to have known Betty, knows she literally never met a stranger.
September 15, 1930 – February 17, 2024
She always stayed on the bright side of life and her positive attitude and smile were contagious. Indeed, she lived a blessed and joyful life with a heart full of love. Betty’s family rejoices in knowing she is reunited with Claude, the love of her life, and they are walking the streets of gold in heaven together.
Betty was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Claude Watson; her parents, Cleo and Gladys Albert; brother, Harold Albert; niece, Gennie Albert; brothers-in-law, Jake Schilling and Vance Watson; and sisters-inlaw, Reisa Watson and Ida Belle Albert.
Betty is lovingly survived by her daughter, Shelia Watson of Checotah; her sons, Michael Watson and Vince Eakes, both of Dallas; her sisters, Sue Schilling, Karen Albert, and Debra Albert of Henryetta; her three granddaughters, Lacy Garvin (Brent Williams) of Council Hill, Amber Whisenhunt and Sara Whisenhunt, both of Checotah. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Bella, Easton and Haddie Garvin, all of Council Hill, Jetta Whisenhunt of Checotah, and Abram, Noah and Emma Lu-Grand, all of Checotah; her niece, Ashley Albert, of Henryetta; four nephews, David Albert of Springdale, Ark., Rick Watson (Jill) of Preston, Steve Watson (Debra) of Henryetta, and Kevin Kirkland (Leslie) of Council Hill; two sistersin- law, Barbara Watson of Henryetta and Vicki Watson of Shawnee; and many other dear family members and a lifetime of friends.
Her family is also eternally grateful to administrator Jeana Campbell and the entire staff at the Checotah Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, for brightening Betty’s days with compassionate care that always brought a smile to her face.
Viewing for Betty will be held from 1-6 p.m., with family greeting friends from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024, and 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Garrett Family Funeral Home in Checotah. Services celebrating Betty’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at First Assembly of God Church in Checotah. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Council Hill Cemetery under the personal direction of John Garrett. David Albert, Dr. Jim Meissen, Cody Smith, Dustin Watson, Rick Watson and Brent Williams will serve as casket bearers. Bert Durbin, Easton Garvin, Abram LuGrand, Noah Lu-Grand, James Lile, Ethan Osmun, Isaiah Osmun, Damon Watson, Dana Watson, Steve Watson and Rodney Myers will serve has honorary casket bearers.
You may share online condolences with Betty’s family at www.garrettfamilyfuneralhome. com.
The family of Betty Jo Watson entrusted her care, services and burial to John and Kim Garrett and the dedicated staff of Garrett Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 311 SW 2nd St. in Checotah.
