Ada Margaret Purtle Watson, 94, of Jacksonville, TX, previously of Marshall was taken Home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 5, 2026. She was born August 21, 1931, in Prescott, Arkansas to James Purtle and Martha Mulqueen Martin Purtle.

Ada met J.B. Watson in 1950 when she came to East Texas Baptist College in Marshall. She and J.B. had 55 years together and raised three sons before he went Home in 2006. Ada was a devoted wife and mother and valued employee in the Trust Department at Marshall National Bank for many years. All of her life, she exhibited the Fruit of the Spirit as she served her Lord at Victory Baptist Church and cared for her family. She wrote poetry and devotionals which inspired all who read them. She was a prayer warrior who interceded for her friends and family tirelessly.

Rejoicing in Heaven with her are her parents; her husband J.B. and her brothers: Herbert and James Purtle.

She is survived by her sons, Daniel Watson and wife, Sandra of Jacksonville, David Watson of Marshall, and Keith Watson and wife, Anne of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Jeremy Watson, Leah Sherwood and husband, Keith, Brandon Watson, Ali Craig and husband, Jonathan; step-grandchildren, Beth Harris and husband, Matt and Richard Thomas and wife, Jessa; ten great grandchildren and niece, Edith Jo Rhyne and husband, Dale as well as a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home with Martin Clickard officiating. Burial will follow at Algoma North Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. before the services on Tuesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Gideons at Gideons.org.