Maredith Ilene Watson

Maredith Ilene "Nena" Watson, a lifelong resident of Arkansas City, Kansas, passed away on Saturday morning, March 7, 2025. She was the fourth child and oldest daughter of the late Pastor John Henry and First Lady Dorothy Mae Watson.

Maredith graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1967, Cowley County Junior College in 1969, and Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1971. She taught for 39 years in the Arkansas City Public School System, beginning as a reading specialist and later teaching second and fifth grades at Adams, Pershing, and Jefferson Elementary Schools. She remained deeply passionate about education throughout her career.

A dedicated and active member of St. James Church of God in Christ, Maredith served as Youth President, on the Deaconess Board, and as the church’s primary administrator. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers—Ronald Eugene Watson, John Henry Watson Jr., and Bruce Dean Watson—and her adopted sister, Delphia Neal Jennings.

She is survived by her siblings Constance Louise Rowe, Edward Randolph Watson, and Brenda Darlene Hall (Larry); her beloved nieces and nephews LaTrisha Elaine Walton, Anitris Ilene Davidson, Jimmy Williams, Joni Dupree Watson, Stephanie Janell (Jamel) Barnes, Edward Randolph Watson II, Saxx Williams, Nisha Meza, Luellic Elmer Rowe III (Kristi), Michael Segree, and Schylur Matthew Watson; a host of great-nieces and great-nephews; her godchildren Bishop William H. Watson III, Dr. Corey Yeager, Andre Newton, Daniel J. Jennings, and Tremaine Watson; and her cherished church family at St. James Church of God in Christ, the James Watson District, and the Kansas Southwest Jurisdiction, along with many colleagues and friends.