Tommie Jean (Fox) Watzke, 90, passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Monday, January 11, 2021. She was born in El Paso, Texas on March 30, 1930 to parents Venia Mae (Newby) Fox and Thomas Doyle Fox. Tommie attended Morehead and Caldwell elementary schools and Austin High School. She also attended Texas Western College aka UTEP where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. Following her graduation in 1951 with a degree in Education, she began teaching 2nd grade at San Juan elementary school. In 1952 Tommie married her high school and college sweetheart, Jack Tarves Watzke. They were inseparable and enjoyed the lifelong love of a marriage lasting over 66 years before Jack's death. Many people's lives were touched by knowing Tommie, and her life exemplified the attributes of the biblical Proverbs 31 woman. She was an active member of St. Paul's Methodist church volunteering with Vacation Bible School and teaching 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School classes alongside her husband, Jack. In addition, she was a Girl Scout leader with her daughters' troops, an avid bridge player, and solver of the morning newspaper crossword puzzles. As an active member of the Greater El Paso Republican Women's Club, she provided leadership in various positions on their Board of Directors. She continued to enjoy her Chi Omega friendships via their alumnae association, and, for many years she volunteered with the El Paso Assistance League. Tommie was also care-giver extraordinaire lending a helping hand whenever and however long it was needed. She loved to travel and throughout their marriage, Tommie and Jack enjoyed many opportunities to explore new places with family members and/or lifelong friends.
Tommie was preceded in death by her husband Jack, two children, a son, Tommy and a daughter, Carol Collins. Also, her parents, Venia Mae and Thomas Doyle Fox, and aunt, Sarah (Newby) Nestler. She is survived by her daughters Janet Pool (Darryl), Tricia Whitler (Jason), and son James (Michelle), grandchildren, Sara Vernon (Tim), Aaron Collins, Rachel Ostervold (Berent), Drew Watzke, Melissa Whitler, sister Mary Ethel Damewood, and sister-in-law Helen Jean Bolling along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to:
The Little Lighthouse 5120 E. 36th St. Tulsa, OK 74135
John 3:16 Mission 506 N. Cheyenne, Tulsa, OK 74103 or the
Ranch Acres Baptist Church 3143 S. Jamestown Ave. Tulsa, OK 74135