April 7, 1949 – February 20, 2023

Barbara Carol Watson, 73, of the Wade Community passed away Monday, February 20, 2023, at River Chase Village in Gautier, Mississippi.
Mrs. Watson was born on April 7, 1949, in Neshoba County, Mississippi.
She was preceded in death by her parents James Lavelle Ballinger and Martha Francis (Boler), her stepmother Juanita Ballinger, two brothers Freddy Allen Ballinger and Tommy Joe Ballinger, and step-brother Douglas Goff.
Survivors include Ray Watson, her husband of fifty-three and a half years, son Philip (Amy) Watson, brother Ronnie (Rhonda) Ballinger, and step-sister Brenda (Ricky) Goff. She had numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
She was an elementary school teacher for forty years. She taught school in Germany, Florida, Oklahoma, New York, Kansas, and Mississippi. She was the first Nationally Board Certified teacher in George County. She taught Sunday School classes first at Escatawpa Baptist and then at Wade Baptist Churches.
After retirement, she focused on her flowers, gardening, and bees. She was a member of Wade Baptist Church. She loved throwing parties and hosting gatherings. She will be greatly missed.
Wake and memorial will be held at Wade Baptist Church on February 23 at 10:00. Interment is at Carter Cemetery in George County.
To view and sign the online register book and send condolences to the Watson family you may visit our website at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com