Bernadine Ruth Watson

Bernadine Ruth Watson of Waco, Texas passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, just 23 days short of her 98th birthday. She was born on February 27, 1928 on a farm just outside of Brenham, Texas, the second child of Herbert and Erna Gummelt. 

Bernadine and her family moved to Waco as her father searched for work during the Great Depression. She attended and graduated from Waco High School where she met her eventual husband, Foy Wallace Watson, Jr. They were married on April 21, 1947 following his return from Pacific service with the US Navy in World War II. They were married for 63 years until his death in 2010.

Following the birth of their son, Foy Wallace Watson, III (1949) the family moved to San Antonio, Texas where Foy Jr. was stationed as a Revenue Officer for the IRS. In 1952 their second son, Richard Lee Watson was born and in 1955 the family was reassigned  to the small town of Victoria, Texas where their daughter Cynthia Kay was born in 1958. They were relocated once more by the Government in 1962 to the city of Austin, Texas where she remained until after her husband's death when she returned to her childhood home of Waco. 

During this time she was a devoted wife and mother and spent much of her time raising her children. As the children grew older, she found time to work in administration as the IRS Service Center and ultimately to become a Master Florist. Following her husband's retirement from Government service they opened Vogue Floral Designs on Anderson Lane in North Austin where they exercised their specialty catering many weddings.

Bernadine was an avid gardener and loved the outdoors. She and her family traveled every summer, camping in State & National parks all over the country. She was a skilled seamstress and loved to read. She and her husband were very active in the Crestview Baptist Church where she served as Secretary to the pastor for many years. She was a devoted member of the Eastern Star organization where she served as Worthy Matron. Bernadine will be remembered for her warm smile, generous heart and kindness to everyone.

Bernadine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her older brother Herbert Lee and younger sister Inez (Dickey). She is survived by her 3 children, 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren, as well as her niece Martha Jane Cole and nephew Jerry Summers and finally by her brother-in-law, Tommy Gene Watson who will officiate her service.

Her graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on February 21, 2026 at Waco Memorial Park, 6623 S. IH 35, Waco, TX. Gathering will begin in the chapel at 1:30 pm.

Our mom will be deeply missed but forever loved and remembered.