Mary Alice Watson

Mary Alice Bell Watson, age 94, passed away peacefully at Sharon Lane Health & Rehabilitation in Shawnee, Kansas, on February 19, 2026. She was born on June 27, 1931, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Ben Evans Bell and Alice Green.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Ben Bell and Leroy Bell; her sisters, Mildred B. Winston and Dorothy M. Washington; and her stepson, Joseph L. Watson, Jr.

Mary was a lifelong resident of Kansas City, Kansas. She received her education in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools and graduated from Sumner High School, Class of 1949.

She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in May 1950 under the leadership of the late Rev. Julius Caesar Bonner. She later united with St. Luke A.M.E. Church under the leadership of the late Rev. J.C. Brooks, where she faithfully served in many capacities for more than 20 years. The family later united with First Baptist Church of Quindaro under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Stacy E. Hopkins, where she was a devoted member of the Missionary Society Ruth Circle.

Mary was employed at Crusader Life Insurance Company, which later became American Woodmen Life Insurance. She began her career as a receptionist and advanced to Supervisor of the Premium Billing Department, serving faithfully until the company closed in 1993. She then became a teacher assistant at Kiddie Kollege Nursery School, where three of her grandchildren attended. After her last grandchild left Kiddie Kollege, she continued her service in education as a Library Aide with the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools until her retirement.

“Meme,” as she was affectionately called, deeply loved her family and treasured every opportunity to gather together. She faithfully attended Little League, high school, and college games, dance recitals, and graduations — from preschool to college — always present, always cheering. She was the matriarch of our family, and her laughter, radiant smile, warm hugs, and gentle kisses will be deeply missed. The Bell sisters, as they were lovingly known, are reunited — walking around Heaven together once again.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Cheryl E. Martin of Lenexa, Kansas; her stepdaughter, June Michelle Wynn (Vann) of Kansas City, Missouri; her son, Mark A. Watson Sr. (Lai) of Weldon Springs, Missouri; her grandsons, Taylor Towles of Denver, Colorado, Ryan J. Martin (Catie) of Chaska, Minnesota, and Mark A. Watson Jr. (Antheria) of Springfield, Missouri; her granddaughter, Erika A. Watson of Weldon Springs, Missouri; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. 

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