Wanda B. Watt Obituary (1948 - 2024)

On the night of July 19, 2024, Wanda Knox Watt (née Beth Knox), 75, passed away peacefully at the Cottages of Clear Lake in League City, TX due to natural causes. Though she declined steadily after an early-onset dementia diagnosis in 2018, this remains a sudden and insurmountable loss for her family, friends, and all who have had the privilege of knowing her indelible charm. Wanda was born August 12, 1948 in Sweetwater, TX, the daughter of Billy and Myrtle Knox (née Tucker). Mr. and Mrs. Knox were the owners of Big Chief Grocery Store, formerly located on 6th St. in Texas City, TX and still beloved by longtime residents. Those who knew Wanda at this time praised both her family’s warmth and her own judgment-free, compassionate disposition. Wanda attended grade-school in Texas City, and graduated from Texas City High School in 1966. Afterwards, she attended Texas Technological College (Texas Tech) in Lubbock to study marketing. While a student, she met her late-husband (deceased 2019), William (Will) E. Watt II, and they married on July 26, 1969 at the Knox family home. After the wedding, Wanda received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech in 1970, and the two relocated to Will’s hometown of Austin where she worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before welcoming their first son Michael (Craig) Watt in November 1974. Will became the co-owner of Rust, Ewing, Watt & Haney Insurance and Wanda returned to work for Knox Interests in Texas City a few years later, where they lived when their second son David Ryan Watt was born September 1978. The two remained in Texas City for many decades, where Wanda read for school children, attended service at the Saint Michael's Episcopal Church in La Marque, and raised their two sons and various friends until relocating to Friendswood in 2000. Throughout this period, she volunteered with several organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House of Galveston. While she was Wanda or Mrs. Watt to many, she was “Gabby” to her two grandchildren, Taylor Drew and Davin Alexis Watt, daughters of Craig Watt and daughter-in-law Christen Drayton Watt (née Smith). What started as an affectionately adopted misnomer for “Grammy” became a symbol of her unwavering and unconditional love for her grandchildren as their caretaker throughout much of early grade school and loving confidant in later years. The bond between Gabby, Taylor, and Davin was known by many throughout Texas City and Friendswood, and it served as the ultimate representation of the kindness, generosity, warmth, and patience that Wanda graced both her loved ones and her community at large. Wanda is survived by her sister, Billie Lynn Daniels; son and daughter-in-law Craig and Christen Watt; son and daughter-in-law David and Caroline Watt (née Parker); and two grandchildren Taylor and Davin Watt. Per Wanda’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers. donations for scholarships for Texas City students can be made to: Texas City Rotary Foundation P. O. Box 2699, Texas City, TX 77592. Please write her name on the memo line. If you wish to donate electronically please contact her son Craig Watt at unosigma@gmail.com for arrangements.