Yvonne Watson

Surrounded by her children, family, and friends with prayers, singing songs of the promised heavenly eternity, and exchanges of love and affection, Polly “Yvonne” Watson went to be with her heavenly father on April 21, 2023. 

She was born in Swifton, Arkansas on March 2nd, 1943 to Emmanuel and Mary Watson. They moved to Michigan before the family settled in the Farmersville, CA area. Yvonne went to school in both places and left school in the 10th grade to help earn money for the family. 

She was married to Bobby Anderson for 13 years and they had a daughter, Yvette, and a son, Shannon. She later gained a stepson, Jimmy Dale, through her marriage to Jimmy Barnett. 

During her childhood and early adult years Yvonne worked in the fields and packing houses of California's Central Valley. She would later add a motorized newspaper delivery route to go along with her work in the packing houses. During this time she also earned her GED. She would eventually work as an in-home care provider. 

In 1984, after two years of illness that led to the loss of mobility on the left side of her body, Yvonne was diagnosed with a tumor on her brain stem and had a very critical surgery at Stanford University Hospital to remove the tumor. Through many prayers, the skillful hands of the surgeons, and her determination, Yvonne made a full recovery and was regarded at the time as the Stanford Miracle. 

Through all of the hardships of her life, Yvonne found joy and strength in her salvation and faith in Jesus Christ. Yvonne attended church at the First Jesus Name Church of Cameron Creek for over 50 years. She was a beloved member of the congregation and was involved in the Ladies’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed singing the Gospel hymns, played piano and accordion for the church, and was frequently requested to sing “It’s Me Again Lord” and “The Answer’s On It’s Way” as  her unique style and authenticity to these songs blessed all of those who heard her sing them.

Yvonne loved her children and grandchildren deeply. She devoted her time, resources, and attention to meeting their needs and being there for them during their most difficult times. She had a close relationship with her sister Katrina and this extended to a very special daughter-like relationship with her niece, Connie. Her devoted love for her family will be carried with them throughout their lives.   

She is survived by her daughter, Yvette Mahler, son Shannon Anderson (Dawn), stepson Jimmy Dale Barnett (Stephanie), niece Connie Myers (Chris), nephew Eli Johnson (Debbie), seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister and son-in-law, Michael Mahler. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 27th at Smith Family Chapel from 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. A Funeral service will take place on Friday, April 28th at 2:00 P.M. at Smith Family Chapel…Directly following services will be a reception in the Shop at the Mahler residence, 980 S. Cornucopia Rd., Exeter....   

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