Shirley Ann Watson age 88 of Paris, TN, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her family.
Shirley was a member of the Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Camden, TN, where she enjoyed singing and formerly served as Sunday School Teacher. She enjoyed working puzzles, coloring, painting, and playing with her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She had previously worked alongside her husband for 16 years as owners and operators of their restaurant Bonanza.
Born October 17, 1937, in Dexter, KY, she was the daughter of the late John Billy “J.B” Wilson, and the late Almeda Lowrey Wilson.
Shirley married Edsel “Ed” Watson August 2, 1952, and he survives of Paris.
In addition to her husband of 73 years, she is also survived by her children, Lisa Ann (Mark) Archer of Buchanan, TN, and Larry Edsel Watson; five grandchildren. Wayne (Lisa) Watson, Stephanie (Brian) Beecham, Brad (Kirby) Watson, Brittney (Jordan) Gillum, and Aleshia Billings; and eight great grandchildren, Saiylor (Fiancé Reece Killion) Beecham, Irelynn Beecham, Roarie Beecham, Cade Gillum, Falynn Watson, Layken Watson, Brance Watson, and Willow Ashley.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Carol Billings; a sister, Dolores Roach; and a brother, Ronnie Wilson.
Ridgeway Funeral Home 201 Dunlap St./ P.O. Box 788, Paris, TN 38242 will be handling the arrangements. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. Her funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Ridgeway Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. with Bob Myers officiating.
Serving as pallbearers for the service will be Brian Beecham, Jordan Gillum, Wayne Watson, Reece Killion, and Brad Watson.
Burial will follow the service in Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Harmony Missionary Baptist Church Missions Fund 4395 HWY 641 N., Camden, TN 38320.