June 21, 1934 - December 4, 2025
Gaye Fudge Watson, 91, of Fayetteville, peacefully passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, at home. She was born Thursday, June 21, 1934, in Melbourne, Arkansas; to Clarence Elmer and Ella Mae Harvelle Fudge.
Gaye married Bill Watson on May 31, 1950, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Together they were parents to Mari Gillham, Huntsville, Jennifer Hanson (Brad), Pittsburg, Kansas, and Mark Watson. She graduated with a BSE from Arkansas State College (now ASU), then continued her education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where she received her M. Ed. She retired from Pulaski County Special School District after completing 33 years of teaching. Gaye was a member of Sequoyah United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, and enjoyed her family, gardening, reading, and supporting the Razorbacks.
Gaye was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, son-in-law, Richard Gillham and great grandson, Jack Gillham.
She is survived by her daughters Mari and Jennifer, four grandchildren Matt Gillham (Haley), Adam Hanson (Sara), Abby Graham (Spencer), and Ali Hanson. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren Briley, Whitley, and Kinsley Hanson, Gabby and Cannon Gillham, Harlow and Hattie Graham, and Layne Hanson.
The family will receive friends 4:30 PM-6:00 PM, Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Sequoyah United Methodist Church. Graveside Service will be 11:00 AM, Friday, December 12, 2025, at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway, Arkansas with Sara Pair officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gaye's name may be made to Sequoyah United Methodist Church, 1910 N. Old Wire Road, Fayetteville, AR, 72703.
Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.