Shirley Ann “Blankenship” Watson, 81, of Fitzgerald passed away peacefully May 8, 2024, at her grandson’s home, surrounded by her family.
Graveside services will be 11 AM, Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Bay Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Arabi, Georgia, with the Rev. Rex Johnson and the Rev. Josh Bowles officiating. The family will receive friends Friday, May 10, 2024, from 6pm-8pm, at Paulk Funeral Home in Fitzgerald.
Shirley was born May 18, 1942, in Wheeler County Georgia, to the late Hubert and Gertie Bowyer Blankenship. She was a graduate of Irwin County High School. She was married to the love of her life, the late George C. Watson. She dedicated her life to taking care of others. She was employed at Dorminy Medical Center for years and later as a private caretaker.
Shirley was a devoted and loving Mama and Mema to many including numerous she embraced over her life. She enjoyed gardening, going on trips to Biloxi, and being surrounded by her family and friends. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength only found from her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and unending generosity that could be seen in her care for all of those around her.
Shirley is survived by her children: Jim (Rhonda) Watson of Fitzgerald, Randal Watson of Douglas, Regina Peterson of Douglas, and Terry (Kelly) Watson of Fitzgerald; grandchildren: Cynthia (William) Hutchinson, Tena (Herman) Fletcher, Stephen (Courtney) Peterson, Raymon “Andrew” Watson, Kristin (Brandon) Arnold, Cassidy Clark, Micah “Landon” Hendley, Adam (Julie) Watson, and Amanda (Donald) Tillman; great-grandchildren: Dakota, William, Zoi, Asher, MaKayla, Payson, Jonathan, Morgan, Jakob, Brayden, and Corbin.
In addition to her parents, was proceeded in death by her husband, George C. Watson, step-mother, Sarah Blankenship, and brother, Joe E. Blankenship.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.