1930-2025
Emily Ruth Harper Watson, 94, a resident of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
She was born on September 28, 1930, in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, to Clyde Elery and Berdie Fern Folsom Harper.
“She was a Pike County Diamond, dug out of the dirt, but never polished.”
Emily Ruth graduated from Little Rock Senior High School in 1948.
She married Reverend Jimmy Watson on May 28, 1948. While she was a wonderful wife and mother, she also played a significant role as an active pastor’s wife in the many churches that they pastored.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Lt. Colonel Clyde Edward Watson; her parents; brothers, Jack Harper, infant Harper; a sister, Loretta Faye Fewell; and a nephew, Bobby Fewell.
Survivors include her sons, Reverend James Milton Watson (Bonnie) of Pine Bluff, Reverend Matthew Ross Watson (Sandra) of Pine Bluff, Carl Obadiah “Obie” also known as "Mo" Watson (Jeanette) of Sherrill; a daughter, Cassandra "Cassie" Price of Poyen; daughter-in-law, Rita Watson of Poyen; grandchildren, Ricky Watson, Cassandra Mayes (Terence), Emily Alpough (Brice), Heverin Joy Williams (Robbie), Daniel Watson, Erik Watson, Jonathan Watson, Krista Moore (Stephen), Galen Watson, Nikki McCord (Robert); Jennifer Price, Rebecca Price, Brandon (Tiffani) Biggs, Kellie Rushing (Brandon), Derek Seitz, Kevin Hulse, Sara Hulse, Robbie Hendricks (Erica), Chris Herron (Jordan), Kyle Herron, Devin Herron (Sydney-Gavin); great-grandchildren, Caleb Watson (Annagrace), Zoe Tschahz (Zac), Alice Watson, Xander Watson, Trent Biggs, Coad Biggs, Ali Rushing, Michael McCord, Rayann McCord, Leo McCord, Lilly McCord, Dani Beth Herron, Sami Jo Herron, Makenzie Gavin, Harper Herron Chase Green, Katie Hithe, Jacob Jordan, Sydney Moore, Aubrey Moore, Asher Mealor, Aiden Watson, Timber Hendricks, Kiersten Caldwell (Roo), Christian Williams, (Mehghen), great-great-grandchildren, Susanna Watson, Kylar Tschahz, Cove Tschahz; nephew, Billy Fewell, and a niece, Teresa Fewell.
Visitation will be Friday, March 28, 2025, 6 to 8 p.m., at Greenlee Baptist Church.
A Celebration of Emily Ruth’s Life will be Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff with the family officiating. Services are under the direction of Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Baptist Homes for Children, 150 Hyatt Ct., Monticello, AR 71655.
