Pauline Linkinhoker Watson, age 84, of 313 Fork Farm Road, Iron Gate, Virginia, died Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at Alleghany Regional Hospital, Low Moor.

Born March 8, 1925 in Clifton Forge, Virginia, she was a daughter of the late George P. and Mary Byer Linkinhoker.

After graduating from Clifton Forge High School in 1943, she lived in Northern Virginia for over 50 years, retiring as an office manager for the county of Fairfax, Virginia.

Mrs. Watson later moved back to the Alleghany Highlands.

She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed her front porch and the Cowpasture River.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother.

She is survived by her husband, Randolph Y. Watson, Jr. of Iron Gate; two daughters, Vicki Watson-Schoop and husband, Ronald of Iron Gate and Jennifer Watson-Flanagan of Oakton; a son, Randolph "Butch" Watson III of Tanasket, WA; seven grandchildren, Justin Schoop, Morgan Schoop and wife Cindy, Cale Watson, Cori Watson, Caitlin Flanagan, Conor Flanagan, and Matthew Watson; a sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Linkenhoker of Clifton Forge; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend Linwood Wilkes officiating. Interment will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery, Clifton Forge. Active pallbearers will be Randolph "Butch" Watson, III, Justin Schoop, Morgan Schoop, Cale Watson, Conor Flanagan and Mathew Watson. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at Nicely Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Iron Gate Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 146, Iron Gate, VA 24448 or to the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad, PO Box 419, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, Virginia, is in charge of arrangements.