Nornell Watson
Nornell Watson, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Harbor Hospice, Beaumont, after a brief illness. Up until the end, she was kind to everyone she encountered even as she teased them about waking her up for various procedures.
Nornell was born on June 27, 1934, to Maxine Settles Williams and Allen Williams, in Beaver, Oklahoma. They eventually moved to Guymon, Oklahoma, where she graduated from Guymon High School in 1952. She attended Panhandle State College, graduating with a business degree in 1956. Nornell was a leader in a variety of activities, including athletics, cheerleading, and music. In the summer of 1957, a good friend introduced Nornell to her Uncle Jerry. A romance quickly blossomed, and they were married 3 months later on October 27, 1957.
Together, they had three daughters, Terri, Wendy, and Jeriann. During her career, Nornell worked as High School Secretary and School Board Secretary for Elgin Public Schools. She later finished her professional career as Secretary for architects Horacek & Smith in Lawton, Oklahoma. She was an active volunteer in supporting the activities of her daughters, including Girl Scouts, United Methodist Youth group, Rainbow girls, 4-H, and class parent, along with attending every single athletic event, performance and awards ceremony that involved the kids. She was also a long-time member of the Elgin United Methodist church where she sang in the choir and was a frequent soloist for special music. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women where she served in several leadership roles.
Nornell and Jerry enjoyed square dancing in their early years until the activities of their daughters took precedence. As grandsons came along, they continued their tradition by attending as many activities as possible to enjoy their family. Many of the grandsons’ friends still refer to Nornell and Jerry as “Bebe and Pa.” Nornell served as a volunteer in the Southwestern Medical Center Laboratory for 20 years, from 1997-2017. She finally retired from that volunteer work with over 8,000 hours of service. In 2002, she was awarded the Frist Humanitarian Award in recognition of exemplary service to patients and the healthcare community, and for demonstrating a dedicated spirit and genuine concern for the welfare of others.
Nornell and Jerry relocated to Beaumont, Texas, in 2022. Although it was difficult to leave their family and friends in Oklahoma, they quickly made new friends in their new home at Collier Park Retirement Center. They were named “Cutest Couple” in 2022 and Collier Park’s Homecoming King and Queen in 2023.
Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Jerry Watson of Beaumont, formerly of Elgin, Oklahoma; daughters, Terri Riddle of Beaumont; Wendy Stapleton and her husband, Kent, of Boca Raton, Florida; and Jeriann Speed and her husband, Ricky, of Mansfield; grandchildren, Ryan Riddle and his wife, Shaynah, of Norman, Oklahoma; Keegan Riddle and his wife, Jessica, of Edmond, Oklahoma; Cody Stapleton and his wife, Jana, of Bradenton, Florida; Kelly Stapleton and his wife, Merry, of New York City, New York; Jacob Speed and his wife, Jade, of Garland; and Jordan Speed and his fiancée, Erika, of Roanoke; great-grandchildren, Kayla Besenhofer, Harper Riddle, Reggie Riddle, Bentlee Burney, Kinslee Burney, Wyatt Riddle, Jackson Stapleton, Luke Stapleton, Aubrey Stapleton, Everett Stapleton, Eisley Stapleton, and Jett Speed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Joe A. Williams and great-grandson, Aiden Allen Riddle.
A Celebration of Life with her friends at Collier Park, 4650 Collier Street, Beaumont, will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, February 16, 2024. And a celebration it will be – we know that Nornell is rejoicing in heaven and no longer in any pain.
A separate gathering will be held at Collier Park on Saturday, February 17 at 11:30 a.m. for those family and friends who are traveling in from out of state.
Her cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Elgin United Methodist Church, 608 G Street, Elgin, Oklahoma 73538.
Celebration of Life
Collier Park
- 4650, Collier Street, Beaumont, Texas, 77706,
- February 16, 2024
- 1:30 pm
Gathering
Collier Park
- 4650, Collier Street, Beaumont, Texas, 77706,
- February 17, 2024
- 11:30 am
Jeriann and family
We are so sorry for your loss, and we are praying for your family.
Sincere condolences,
Jeannine Moore
To Jerry, Terri, Wendy and JeriAnn;
My heartfelt condolences to each of you on the loss of Nornell.
First impressions are lasting!
I got to know Nornell and the rest of you during an internship and subsequent, 5 year, full-time employment at Horacek and Smith……my first job out of college and 500 miles from home! Nornell was the firm’s receptionist, secretary and, for me, ‘mom’! A gem! And, looking back, she was one of the best ‘allies’ I could have known! Nornell was, for me, a calming, caring and compassionate presence at Horacek and Smith, and was a huge, positive influence on me and the choices I faced, and choices I made, as a young, aspiring professional.
I consider myself very blessed to have known Nornell, and each of you, if only for a relatively short period of time. However, Nornell’s influence has benefited me for a lifetime.
I hope and pray that the memories of the time you had with Nornell will sustain and carry you forward, as my memories of her have for me! Blessings!
Dan, thank you for the kind words and sweet memories of mom. She always thought the world of you.
So many fond memories but my favorite was our week long visit to Elgin. Nornell welcomed us into her home…Jerry was the ultimate tour guide! We ate well, saw everything from prairie dogs to Buffalo… but just sitting and visiting with Nornell was such a blessing. People always laughed and said you’re friends with Wendy but you’re flying g to Oklahoma to spend a week with her parents??? Yep… an all time favorite trip.
She will be missed but such a blessing to see her in Terri, Wendy and Jeriann. You women are a living reminder of your mom!
Thanks so much, Sara! Mom and Dad talked about your Oklahoma vacation for years!
Terri, Wendy and Jeriann, We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. She was always very kind to me. May the Lord and your memories give you all comfort and peace during this difficult time.
The Wade family
Thank you so much, Willie.
Oh my sweet Ms. Nornell! I will forever be grateful for God putting you and your family in my life! ❤️ You are already soo missed! LOVE you always!
Thank you so much, Chelsey. It meant so much that you took the time to visit Mom at Harbor House. Your assistance with the arrangements for her celebration of life was greatly appreciated.
I’m so very sorry Jerry and girls for the loss of beautiful Nornell. She was just a lovely person.
Thank you, Jeanie.
She was indeed beautiful and wonderful. The same can be said about her family.
God bless you all and everything dear to you.
I love you.
Perry Pruitt-2XP
Thank you, Perry.
I am shocked and very saddened at the passing of Nornell. I pray 🙏 Jerry is holding up ok. Terri I am so sorry for your pain.
I’ve missed you all
Thank you, Tammy. Mom missed all of her Oklahoma friends, but I was blessed to have them with me in Texas.
Nornell was and will always be a person that accepted people as FRIENDS. She was a mentor to me when I was at Elgin School and because of her I went on to bigger things. She will be missed by all that knew her and especially her family. She is watching us now from HEAVEN. Rest in PEACE. Love to all the family.
Thank you, John. We know where Mom is now and it gives us peace.
Nornell was so sweet and a pleasure to deal with at Elgin High School. I’m sorry to read about her passing. God Bless and Comfort her family in this time of loss!! Dewayne
Thank you so much, Dwayne.
Prayers for the family. She was always a sweetheart.
Thanks so much, Ken.
Terri, Wendy and Jeriann I am so sorry for ya’lls loss. Miss Nornelle was the absolute sweetest. Hugs and prayers for strength and comfort
Thank you, Debbie.
My prayers are with y’all !!! Love you All !!!! RIP Mrs Watson you where one of the absolute BEST!!!!!
Thank you so much, LaDonna.
My condolences to the family. Terry you and family are in my thoughts and prayers.🙏🙏 Nornell was an awesome lady. If you ever needed help at school she was always there for you. She was loved by so many. Safe travels to all the family and friends. 🙏🌹💞
Thank you, Susan. It is good to hear everyone’s memories of Mom. Hugs to you, my friend.
I adored Ms Nornell and called her my friend!
I very much missed Jerry and Nornell after they moved from Elgin and look forward to her Facebook posts.
They are an inspiring and amazing couple.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Many prayers for comfort and hugs to Mr Jerry and all of the family.
❤️ Kevin & Carrie Goodin and Family
Thank you so much, Carrie.
It was a great joy to call Nornell my friend of 20 years. I have always enjoyed her singing at church, especially at Christmas. I would always tell her it didn’t feel like Christmas until she would sing her solos. Until we meet again, I love and miss you❤️Tammy
Thank you, Tammy. We played “O’ Holy Night” at her celebration of life even though it wasn’t Christmas. I will forever think of Mom when I hear that song.
Thankful to have known this lovely woman and the girls she raised! Prayers for the family and Jerry!
Thank you so much, Sara.