Martha Ann (Lins) Watson

Martha Ann (Lins) Watson passed away on Aug. 1, 2023, following a battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born on December 2, 1932 to Richard and Blanche Lins in Washington, Iowa and had a long life filled with a loving family. Martha met and married the love of her life, Bill Watson, on November 5, 1953. Their love story brought three children into the world: Terri Lyn Mercer, Julie Babbitt, and Thomas Watson. Her husband Bill, beloved elder daughter Terri, brother John (Teenie) Lins, and a nephew Jamie Watson preceded her in death.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Sage of Oskalooska, Iowa; sister-in-law Elaine (David) Watson; son-in-law Robert (Otto) Mercer; grandchildren Mariah Mercer, Kathryn Mercer, Matt (Micah) Mercer, Abigail Mercer, Billy Jackson, and Joey Watson; great-grandchildren, Eli, Ezzy, Miri, Eden and Ava; nephews Davey, Bobby, Bruce, Andrew, Johnny, and Joey; and a niece, Melissa. Martha and Bill owned and operated The Meat Counter in Dunkirk, New York for more than 30 years before retiring to Port Charlotte, Florida. Her family and friends will remember Martha as an exceptional homemaker and cook, an organizer who brought order to dreamers, a lover of long walks, and caregiver.

She took joy in simple pleasures–art, games, ice cream every evening, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills. Following her 2019 Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she moved to Delray Beach with her daughter Julie. With the help of angel-on-earth Judy Teabout, Julie cared for Martha in her final years just as Martha did for “her Bill” and others in their time of need.

A Zoom service will take place on Saturday Aug. 12, 2023 at 2 p.m. Family, old friends, and supporters of The Meat Counter can watch it at Sheridan Methodist Church, where Martha’s nephew, Pastor David Watson, will officiate. The Zoom link will also be on Julie’s Facebook page.