Wanda Jo (Harris) Watson

Wanda Jo Harris Watson, 95, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away on March 2, 2021. She was born on June 7, 1925, to Elmer and Jewel Harris in Hollis, Oklahoma. Jo attended Oklahoma schools, graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1947.

Jo was listed among Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, was a member of the glee club, held a student council office, and was voted Most Beautiful, as well as Homecoming Harvest Queen. While majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry, she planned to go to medical school. Jo’s fate changed, however, and she moved to Texas where she taught at Draughn’s Business College, married, and had four children. Jo returned to work when her last child started school. She retired from Lubbock Independent School District’s Business Office after a lengthy career. Jo’s commitment to family and home was evident by the way she lived. Her passions included decorating, sewing, gardening, cooking, and spending time with family.

Jo was preceded in death by her mother and father, Elmer and Jewel Harris; a sister, Shirley Hamilton; two sons, David Watson and Mark Watson; and a grandson, Trevor Black. Survivors are Alice(Richard) Philbrick of McKinney, Texas, and Laura(Louis)Warren of Ransom Canyon, Texas. Jo is also survived by eight grandchildren and their spouses, as well as many great grandchildren.

As a Ransom Canyon resident in her last months, Jo loved and appreciated the history and life of the canyon. In fact, it was Jo’s idea years earlier to paint a mural from inside Ransom Canyon’s Memorial Chapel. Robert Chennault was commissioned and his masterpiece, “Heaven’s Window,” was created. The painting continues to raise funds for the chapel.

A private family memorial will be held in early April at Ransom Canyon Memorial Chapel with Pastor Travis Hart officiating. The family suggests memorials to Ransom Canyon Memorial Chapel, c/o Ron Bornick, 87 South Lakeshore Drive, Ransom Canyon, Texas 79366.

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