Norma Watson Obituary

Norma Watson, 88, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, in Colorado Springs. She was born August 10, 1928 in Columbia, South Carolina to Mose Louis and Mary Ann (Somaini) Manini.



Norma attended the University of South Carolina and was working at Standard Oil Company when she met Billy Watson, a handsome young Air Force pilot, on a blind date. Norma and Billy were married a year later on July 21, 1951. The couple had three children: Sande, Lori and Billy Jr.

Norma embraced life as an Air Force wife and mother, and the family was stationed in California, Washington state, Okinawa, Alabama, South Carolina and Colorado. They made Colorado Springs their permanent home in 1969.

Norma was for many years a volunteer with El Paso County Voter Registration and with the Peterson AFB Thrift Shop. She was a wonderful cook, an avid bridge player and a loyal fan of the Carolina Gamecocks, Air Force Falcons and Denver Broncos. She adored her Shelties Linus, Sheba and Taffy. She cherished her many friends, some of whom shared her love of bridge. What was most important to her, however, was her family.

Norma was predeceased by her father, mother, sister Gloria Manini and brother Mose Louis "Butch" Manini Jr.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 66 years, Billy; daughters Sande Kimbel (husband Bruce) and Lori Spaulding; son Billy Watson Jr. (wife Heather); grandchildren Amy Kimbel, Daniel Kimbel, Eric Spaulding (wife Keise), Spencer Watson (wife Julia) and Jessica Watson; sister Peggy Janicki of Columbia, South Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is planning a private celebration of Norma's life. Memorials may be made in her name to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, 610 Abbot Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.