Hilda Talbert Watson

A graveside service for Hilda Watson will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with Rev. Bob Followell officiating, burial to follow.

Ms. Hilda Talbert Watson, age 93, of Meridian passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Brookdale Assisted Living Center. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Hilda Talbert was born at home August 17, 1930, in Macon, MS. At barely 4-pounds, she was expected not to survive, and the doctor did not even issue her a birth certificate. Her grandmother simply stated, “she would make it,” and that is exactly what Hilda did. At the age of 7, she moved to Meridian, MS where she grew up with 8 siblings and graduated from Vimville High School. She worked at the Penney Store before marrying Patrick Watson. Together they raised two daughters living in various places from Memphis, TN to Grove Hill, AL but ultimately settling back in Meridian. Through the years, she enjoyed watching her two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren grow, feeding the hummingbirds, taking a ride to sight-see, and keeping up with her “huge” family.

She is survived by her daughters, Pam Watson Boyd (Robert) and Dawn Watson Ridgdell (Bruce); grandchildren, Meghan Boyd Ward and Morgan Ridgdell Porter (Dayton); great-grandchildren, Landon Patrick Ward and Madelynn Jayde Porter; siblings, Elizabeth “Bugs” Mars Shehea, Johnny Mars, C. M. Mars (Joyce), and Gail Mars Suttles (John); special fur baby, Sandy; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Milton Watson; siblings, Hillie Talbert, James Talbert, Richard Mars, and Yvonne Mars Livingston Robinson.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home prior to the graveside service.