Donna Sue Watson, age 84, of Branson, Missouri.

Donna Sue Watson, age 84, of Branson, Missouri, passed away with her daughter, Kristie, by her side January 15, 2025. She entered this life on April 10, 1940, the daughter of Virgil and Norma (Jarman) Church in Cordell, Oklahoma. Donna was joined in marriage to the love of her life on April 14, 1976, to Robert B. Watson.

With a heart full of faith and love, Donna served her God above all else. She was an active member in Church of Christs and created a ministry called “U R Special” for HeadStart children starting their new school year. Donna loved to volunteer for and work with the community. She began a group called sister circle with the ladies at the Hollister Church of Christ that meets weekly to do projects for those in need in our community as well as for our troops. They would study God’s word as well. Donna’s love was also shared with family and friends who meant the world to her.

Gifted with an eye for beauty, she was tremendously skilled with quilting and sewing. She has made and given hundreds of quilts and blankets to people far and near.

Donna first graduated from Texas A&M with a teaching degree. She taught from kindergarten to college level. She got her doctorate in communications after her children graduated high school. During her working years, Donna was a community leader, life coach, entrepreneur, and author. She wrote the books Tough Times Don’t Last – Tough Women Do, 15 Minute Recipe Series, How to Get and Keep a Job, 101 simple ways to be good to yourself, 101 ways to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, and creative communications.  The love and kindness that were emitted into the world by Donna will be cherished by all affected by her loving and beautiful soul.

Donna is survived by her daughters: Tracey Watson of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Kristie Sponsler of Branson, Missouri; grandchildren: Kristopher Sponsler and Keith Sponsler and fiancé, Madi Lucas of Charleston, South Carolina; and great-grandchild, Sierra Sponsler. She is survived by her church family of Hollister Church of Christ; Shizu, Tiki; and many other family members and far away friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband of forty-six years, Robert B. Watson, parents, and parents-in-law.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday February 1, 2025, at the Hollister Church of Christ, 10697 Historic Hwy 165, Hollister, Missouri. A luncheon will follow the celebration of life, please let the family know if you plan to attend. Robert and Donna will be inurned together in Cordell, Oklahoma, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donna’s name may be made to Women's Crisis Center of Taney, www.taneycrisiscenter.org/how-can-i-help. Arrangements and donation to Genesis are under the care of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.