Beuna Alice Watson

Beuna Alice Stephens Watson was born on Sunday, January 4, 1931, as the eldest child of Donald and Bessie Stephens of the Gum Flat community in Crockett County, Tennessee. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, September 27, 2024. Alice, or “Dunnie” as she was nicknamed by her father, and as so many of her family and friends affectionately knew her, was the eldest of nine brothers and sisters. She is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Bessie Stephens; one sister, three brothers, one grandson, three great-grandchildren, and her daughter-in-law. Alice is also preceded in death by her three husbands. She is survived by her son, Mike Pace, and her two daughters, Trina Bates and Kathy Raines. She is also survived by her sister June Emerson and three brothers: Cooper Stephens (Mary Helen), Lacy Stephens (Wanda), and Mark Stephens (Janice). She also leaves the legacy of being survived by five grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. She loved God, family, friends, and never met a stranger. This trait allowed an untold number of people to have the privilege of hearing her tell one of her many stories for which she was well-known. She loved her brothers and sisters along with stews and chitterling suppers. Gardening was also close to her heart, and she kept large gardens for many years. She worked at Kellwood in Alamo, Tennessee for many years, in the jewelry department at Service Merchandise, and Roberts Jewelers for many years in downtown Jackson, Tennessee, where she made many life-long friendships. She was a member of Gadsden Church of Christ. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 1, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., at Bells Funeral Home, with funeral services to immediately follow beginning at 2:00 P.M.with David Sweeney and Duncan Ing officiating. Interment will be at the Gadsden Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Kirkland Cancer Center, 720 West Forest St., Jackson, TN 38301 or Gadsden Cemetery, 227 Ginger Lane, Gadsden, TN 38337 

Serving as Pallbearers are Mark Warren, Mike Michie, Joey Ing, Stephen Pace, Gunnar Ing and Michael Pace. Honorary Pallbearers are Cooper Stephens, Lacy Stephens, Mark Stephens and Duncan Ing.