Betty Ann Kerley Watson

Betty Ann Kerley Watson, 72, of Marion, peacefully passed from this life on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at her home with her loving family by her side.

A native of McDowell County, Betty was born on October 29, 1951 to the late Reverend J.C. Kerley and Oma Ellison Kerley. She was also preceded in death by a brother, George Kerley; a sister, Virginia Earle; and two grandsons, Billy Wright, Jr. and Ethen Troutman.

Betty dedicated 42 years of her life to the nursing profession, exemplifying compassion and commitment in every aspect of her work. For two decades, she specialized in labor and delivery, where she had the joy and honor of bringing thousands of new lives into the world. This calling was not just a career but a blessing that she embraced wholeheartedly. After many rewarding years in labor and delivery, Betty spent the last eight years of her career at Park Ridge Hospital, providing care in the Emergency Room. 

Among her proudest accomplishments, Betty, along with her dear friend Lucy Calhoun, was instrumental in establishing Lamaze classes in McDowell County. She was a devout Christian woman, and she also enjoyed crafting. Those who had the privilege to know Betty remember her as a selfless individual, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement. 

She is survived by her husband, Delmar “John” Watson; three children, Jonathan Sowers (Crissy), Scott Sowers (Ginger), and Shelly Dalton; step-son, Jonathan Watson (Melissa); eleven grandchildren, Nateara Bradley (Spencer), Christina Tipton (Will), Whitney Sowers (Daniel Meraz), Kaitlyn Grant, Destiny Wright (Ken), Amber Dalton, Dustin Dalton, Isaac Dalton, Zechariah Dalton, Beth Stackable, and Douglas Stackable; a granddaughter in law, Emma Wright; fourteen great-grandchildren, Hazel, Alyviah, Natalie, Avery, Jaydon, Hunter, Brycen, Avacyn, Bridgette, Leo, Melody, Nikayla, Chase, and Easton; two brothers, Claude Kerley (Brenda) and Ray Kerley (Aggie); one sister, Gladys Morris (Rick); and numerous special nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service. A funeral service will immediately follow at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Tim Sigmon officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.