Sheila Margo Watson, 79, a lifelong resident of Pampa, Texas, heard her sweet Jesus call her name and stepped into eternal glory and rest. She was born July 20, 1946, in Pampa to H.B. and Nettie Guynes, and from the very beginning, Sheila filled the lives around her with warmth, devotion, and a love that made people feel at home.
Though Pampa was always home, Sheila spent a short time during her teenage years in Wheeler, where she graduated from Wheeler High School. She went on to complete LVN school and cared for others as a licensed vocational nurse for many years. On December 23, 1967, she married her high school sweetheart, Gene Watson, in her parents’ home in Wheeler. The ceremony was officiated by her grandfather, E.D. Guynes, who was serving as Justice of the Peace at the time. Later, she became the Latchkey Lead Teacher, a role she poured herself into for 20 years. Through that work, Sheila helped raise, teach, comfort, guide, and love countless children in the Pampa area.
Sheila had her favorites, and she loved them faithfully. Few things could interrupt her lifelong commitment to “Days of Our Lives,” a show she watched from high school until she was no longer able. She found peace in simple, steady joys: coloring, crocheting, and working crossword puzzles. She was also a wonderful cook, and according to Gene, “She made the best Applesauce Cake and Sloppy Joes you’ll ever taste!” Those who sat at her table knew she served more than food—she served comfort, laughter, and love.
Sheila collected angels, and she had a treasure trove of them. More than half were probably her “favorites,” each one carrying a memory, a story, or a reason it mattered to her—and she was always happy to tell you about it. But as precious as her angels were, the collection that mattered most was her collection of people. Sheila had a way of taking children in as her own, and many of them lovingly adopted her right back as “Mom.” Her greatest joys were found in being Gene’s devoted wife and companion, a loving mother, and a nurturing, doting grandmother and great-grandmother.
A beautiful reunion surely took place in heaven as Sheila was welcomed by those who went before her: her parents, H.B. and Nettie; her sister, Karmon Stewart; her brother-in-law, Dan Stewart; and her nephew, Dalton Stewart.
Left to treasure her beautiful smile and her endless fountain of love are her best friend and soul mate, Gene Watson; two sons, Shawn Watson and wife Darla, and Brett Watson and wife Deanna, all of Pampa; her daughter, Nicole Watson and husband Robert Stumpf of Franklin, Tennessee; her grandchildren, Hunter Watson and partner Nichole Wilson, Gerrek Watson and wife Kaitlyn, Andrew Alexander, Talia Galaviz and husband Mason, and Sam Watson; and her great-granddaughter, Alyvia Galaviz. She is also survived by her niece, Tonja Franklin of Washougal, Washington; her chosen sister, Gail Anderson of Pampa; and her beloved puppies, Rocky Bud and Shiloh. Sheila will also be deeply missed by numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and the many people whose lives were blessed simply because they knew her.
Sheila will be available for viewing on Monday, July 13th, from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m.; Tuesday, July 14th, from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.; and again Wednesday, July 15th, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. in the Serenity Chapel at Winegeart Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life Funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Winegeart Funeral Home in the Serenity Chapel, with Charles Lowry officiating. The family has entrusted the cremation care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
If donations are preferred, the family suggests memorials be made in Sheila’s memory to Pathways to Independence, PO Box 1301, Pampa, TX 79066-1301, or PAWS, PO Box 2095, Pampa, TX 79066-2095.
The family will gather at 903 E. Francis St. on Monday and Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. to receive family and friends.
For those who would like to share words of comfort and sympathy with Sheila’s family, please visit her Book of Memories at www.winegeartfuneral.com.
