Julia Helen Watson, 90, of Brighton, IL, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025, at her home.
She was born on February 24, 1935, in LaFayette, IL, the daughter of the late Raymond and Bertha (Blake) Hughes.
Julia married Robert “Bob” Watson on March 1, 1958, in Bloomington, IL. He preceded her in death on January 11, 2025.
She was active in her community. She served on the Macoupin County Board for 33 years, many of those as the Vice Chairman. She also served on the Brighton Memorial Library Board, Brighton Village Clerk, President of the Board of Directors for Macoupin County Economic Development Partnership, Brighton Picnic Association, Brighton Civic League, Art’s Council at Lewis & Clark Community College, and was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school, directed the choir, and served on the administrative board.
Julia stayed at home to raise her children until they were of school age. She started working with her husband Bob at Watson Law Office in 1976, retiring in 2022. Julia received her bachelor’s degree from Greenville College and went on to get a MBA from Missouri Baptist University.
Julia is survived by four children, Dale Watson of Brighton, IL, Jeffrey (Amy) Watson of Brighton, IL, Linda (Sean) Patterson of Independence, OH, and Jennifer (Chris) Watson-Gushleff of Brighton, IL; ten grandchildren Shaun, Korin, Joel, Joseph, Johnathan, Laura, Seth, Sasha, Kevin, and Melinda; two great grandchildren Joiee and Adelyn; two brothers Clarence “Pete” (Carol) Hughes and John Hughes.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother Raymond “Hadley” Hughes; infant sister Norma Hughes.
Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, IL.
Funeral service will be held at 10 am on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, IL.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church in Brighton, IL.
Condolences may be left online at www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com.
