Barbara Sue (Mooney) Watson, 87, of Galena, Kan., passed away Feb. 21. She married her high school sweetheart, Earnest C. “Ernie” Watson, on Dec. 19, 1956. The couple shared more than 56 years of marriage and decades of faithful ministry together until his death in 2013.
She graduated from Galena High School in 1955 and attended Joplin Junior College while working at St. John’s Hospital and later at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Mo.
After Bro. Watson surrendered to the ministry in 1965, he pastored Harmony Baptist Church in Pittsburg, Kan., and Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Girard, Kan. In 1970, he became an interstate missionary for the BMA of America, organizing Highland Park Baptist Church in Independence, Kan., which he pastored until 1985. He then accepted the pastorate of Bethel Baptist Church in Bentonville, where he served for 21 years before returning to Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Girard.
Throughout those years of ministry in Kansas and Arkansas, she faithfully served alongside her husband as a devoted pastor’s wife, encourager, and musician. She ministered to many families and formed lasting friendships, particularly during the Watsons’ 21 years at Bethel in Bentonville.
Survivors include two sons, David (Melody) Watson of Independence, Kan., and Stephen Watson of Galena, Kan.; two brothers, Paul Mooney of Joplin, Mo., and James (Marilyn) Mooney of Riverton, Kan.; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Feb. 27 at Hill Crest Cemetery in Galena under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home (derfeltfuneralhomes.com).
