Thelma Rose Watson

On September 20, 2025, our beloved Thelma “Rose” Springs Watson went home to be with her Lord at the age of 79.

Born on October 30, 1945, in Kuttawa, Kentucky to Newt and Minnie Springs, Rose grew up with strong values of faith, family, and love that shaped the beautiful life she lived.

She married the love of her life, Kenneth Wayne Watson, on October 17, 1964, and together they built their home in Bells, Tennessee where she spent the rest of her life. Kenneth passed before her, but their love story lives on in the family they created.

A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Rose found her greatest joy in her family. She was the proud mother of two children: Kim Watson Averitt and her husband Steve of Bells, TN and Kerry Dwayne Watson and wife Stephanie of Friendship, TN.

Her favorite name was “Nonna,” and she treasured her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren-Chelsea Averitt Selph (Tyler) of Bells, TN, Emily Averitt Outlaw (Taylor) of Bells, TN, the late Noah Stephen Averitt of Bells, TN, Anna Claire Watson Smith (Grant) of Friendship, TN, Jenna Rose Watson Jackson (Jared) of Dyersburg, TN, and Kayden Noah Watson of Friendship, TN.

Her joy multiplied with the arrival of seven great grandchildren: Logan and Luke Selph, Carson and Avery Outlaw, Julia, Jade and Hank Smith.

For most of her life, Rose lived in Bells, Tennessee where she was a devoted member of Bells Church of Christ. She loved teaching Sunday School, sharing her faith, and encouraging others. She also worked many years in manufacturing, where her kindness, strength, and steady spirit touched the lives of those around her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her grandson, Noah Averitt, whom she longed to see again, and seven siblings. She is survived by one sister, Jewell Coomer of Grand Rivers, KY.

Rose will be remembered most for her gentle heart, her deep love for her family, the way she made everyone feel special, and the many wonderful meals she prepared. She gave freely of her time, her wisdom, and her love – always with a smile that made you feel at home. Her legacy of faith and family will live on through the generations she leaves behind.

Though our hearts ache, we rejoice in knowing she is reunited with Kenneth, her parents and siblings, and her grandson, Noah.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love will live in us forever.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Bells Funeral Home, with Bro. Stephen Sutton officiating. Burial to follow at the Oakview Memorial Park of Alamo, TN. A Visitation will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Bells Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.