Blanche Watson, age 85 of Malvern, died Tuesday afternoon, June 16, 2009 in the Hot Spring County Medical Center. She was born in Dallas County, Arkansas on February 29, 1924 to the late Monroe Watson and Nancy Agnes Fite Lemons. Reared and educated in Dallas and Hot Spring Counties, she had been a resident of Malvern since the age of 16. Blanche was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She was the widow of the late Kenneth Watson, to whom she was married on September 20, 1946. He preceded her in death on August 2, 1963.

At one time or another, everybody in Malvern has met Blanche: she worked as a waitress for over 50 years in local restaurants. Those include the Farmer's Caf, the Taxi Caf, the Sands Restaurant, and Clayton House. Those whom she served remember her pleasant and friendly attitude, and her desire for her customers to be completely satisfied, whether by keeping their glasses and cups filled, to suggesting and bringing delicious desserts, or just her warm smile and caring manner. She was truly an example of someone who fulfilled her life by serving and helping others. Away from work, she loved to cook for her family and friends, and doted on her grandchildren.

She is survived by two daughters, Shirley Watson Homan and Betty Watson Pope, both of Malvern; by a step-son, Charlie Watson of Tupelo, Mississippi; a sister, Mary Gray and her husband, Squeaky, of Malvern; by four grandchildren, Jim Homan, Amanda Homan, Shane Tiernan, and Adam Tiernan; six great-grandchildren, Dalton, Connor, and Brooks Homan, Hayden and Haylee Tiernan, and Sarah Kirby.

Blanche was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Cecil Lemons, Clifford Lemons, Eugene Lemons, Roxie Key, and Dorothy Weatherford.

Her funeral will be held at two o'clock Thursday afternoon, June 18, 2009 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brothers Paul Grigsby and Scott Efird officiating. Interment will follow in Round Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Jim Homan, Shane, Adam and Tony Tiernan, Mike Funk, Jimmy Voss, and John Tanner.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Judge Bill Schrimshire and Dr. Larry Brashears.

Visitation will be from six until eight o'clock Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

The family will be headquartered at the Bramwell residence, 1719 Regency Drive, Malvern.

Memorials are requested to the Alzheimers Association.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.