Paula Gail Watson

Paula Gail Watson, age 75 of Dyer, Tennessee, passed away surrounded by her children. Funeral services for Mrs. Watson will be conducted on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 2:00pm in the Dyer chapel of Karnes & Son Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 12:00pm. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Lovingly called “Honey Woman” by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family and friends, Paula was born May 26, 1947. After graduation, she attended West TN Business College. Soon after, she would marry her high school love, Larry Stephens Johnson. They had two children, Stephanie, then later Craig. Tragically, Larry was killed in a motor vehicle accident. Larrys friend, James Robert Watson, attended the funeral service. Unbeknown to Paula, Larry and Robert were childhood friends. After love letters and time, Paula and Robert were married, July 8, 1971. The family of four moved to Memphis where Robert attended Memphis State. In 1976, they brought their family back to Dyer, where they built the family farm, which the grandchildren dubbed the “Honey Farm.”

Paula is survived by her loving husband, James Robert Watson; two children, Stephanie Dahlstrom (Jeff), Craig Johnson; brother-in-law, Mike Johnson (Ronda) their son, Steven Johnson; grandchildren, Collin Blake Dahlstrom, Taylor Ryan Johnson (Morgan), Raven Nicole Smith (Neal), Cassidy Faith Wallace (Tyler); great grandchildren, Wrigley, Oliver, Watson, and Piper. Paula was preceded in death by first husband, Larry Stephen Johnson; siblings, Charolet Nicholson, Ronnie Nicholson; and her parents, James Paul and Mildred Oletta Fry Nicholson.

Paula loved the ocean, the lake, sunsets, and boat rides. She was a fiercely loyal friend, funny, and always with a quick wit. She was loved by many and loved with all her being. Karnes & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Paula Gail Watson.