Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Holcomb First Church — formerly Holcomb Methodist Church — for Mrs. Barbara Ann Elliott Watson, 92, of Holcomb, who died on Sunday, Aug. 31, in Brandon. Burial followed in Holcomb Cemetery. The Rev. Janie Mortimer officiated. The family received friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday evening, Sept. 5, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada.
Mrs. Watson was born on June 5, 1933, in Grenada, the daughter of the late James Langley Elliott and the late Beulah Booth Elliott. She was a graduate of Delta State College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She taught home economics at John Rundle High School and Kirk Academy.
Mrs. Watson was a member of Holcomb First Church — formerly Holcomb Methodist Church — since the age of 9. Barbara served in many capacities in the church including, Methodist Youth Fellowship leader, Sunday school teacher and official church board member through the years. She also served as church organist since 1960. Mrs. Watson was instrumental in founding the Ladies’ Community Bible Study that still meets today. Barbara was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and served as Vice-Regent and Good Citizen Chairman.
In addition to her parents, her husband, Willie Fred Watson; son, Keith Watson; and sisters, Ruby Stouffer and Clyde Gray, preceded Barbara in death.
Survivors include, her daughter, Lydia McCardle (Mike) of Brandon; five grandchildren, Nicholas McCardle, Hannah McCardle, Abby McCardle, Clara Grace Watts (Andrew) and Elliott Watson (Jessica), and seven great grandchildren, Finley Watts, Logan Watts, Kelsey Fowler, Kylon Fowler, Karson Fowler, Will Watson and Charly Grace Watson.
Pallbearers were Kelly Causey, Ken Causey, Karson Fowler, Kylon Fowler, Nicholas McCardle, Will Umphlett, Elliott Watson and Will Watson. Honorary pallbearers were Buddy Gray, Matthew Umphlett and members of the Ladies’ Community Bible Study group.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society or the Holcomb Cemetery Fund.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
