Loretta Jo "Joey" Watson

Loretta Jo “Joey” Watson, 82 of Emporia, Kansas died Monday, March 25, 2019 at her home.

Joey was born September 20, 1936 in Lafayette, Indiana the daughter of Joseph Lawrence and Margaret Louise (Gardner) Martinson. Her entire adult life was spent working in the nursing field as a nurse, nurse educator and case manager. Her various positions included: work as a nursing faculty member at Emporia State University and St. Mary of the Plains in Wichita, the Director of Nursing at City of Faith Hospital in Tulsa, and a case manager to children with special needs. Joey was a member of the 12 ^th Avenue Baptist Church in Emporia and had a special love for the Emporia Christian School where she volunteered as a school nurse. She loved spending time with family, friends, and helping others. Joey was especially known for her compassionate care, organization of family gatherings, grandkids’ camps with grandpa, strong faith, and leadership at church and in her profession.

Joey married the love of her life, Richard Lee Watson on May 6, 1955 in Crawfordsville, IN. She is survived by her husband, Richard. Other survivors include: daughter Lori Mann (Roy) of Emporia; sons Richard Lee Watson Jr., M.D. (Janine) of Ruston, WA, Thomas Joseph Watson (Song) of Lincoln, NE, Michael David Watson (Theresa) of Olathe, KS; sister Ann McDermitt (Alvin) of Rochelle, IL; grandchildren Sarah, Jennifer, Russell, Annie, Dick, John-Michael, Andrew, Maggie, Sank, Ellie, Lillie, Justin, Codey, Patrick, Joel, Jacob, Nicholas, Mason; 11 great-grandchildren; and many other extended family members.

Memorial services will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2019 at the 12 ^th Avenue Baptist Church in Emporia. Pastor Al Areheart will be officiating. A reception will follow. Interment will be private and at the Benton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Emporia Christian School or the Margaret Louise Martinson Nursing Scholarship at Emporia State University and sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home.