ANTOINETTE (TONI) SHIMEALL WATSON
09/18/1930 - 01/08/2023
Sunday, January 8th, 2023, with her family at her side and after a brief illness, Toni peacefully and gracefully entered the home of her Lord for Eternal Life. She was 92 years of age. Born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma in Creek County on the 18th of September 1930 to Almyra Olsen and Karl Wallace Shimeall. Her family moved to Houston when she was 6 weeks old and therefore she always considered herself a Houstonian.
Toni attended Sutton Elementary School, Johnston Junior High School, and graduated with honors from San Jacinto Senior High School where she was the Golden Gaucho Drill Team Major. She proudly attended William Marsh Rice University (Institute) and graduated in 1952 with honors in English, focusing on education.
After graduating from Rice, she married William Sporn Arendale and they were blessed with three children: Myra Louise, Bruce Clifford, and Karl Sporn. Toni was especially devoted to her home, children, and friends.
In 1980, she married Harry Thomas Waston. During their happy 40 marriage they enjoyed entertaining, tennis, snow skiing, and traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe. Together they were active members of Grace Presbyterian Church for 40 years.
Toni volunteered in many areas of Grace Presbyterian Women, being awarded Honorary Lifetime Membership. She served as a volunteer at West Houston Assistance Ministry, Encore Ministry, senior bridge coordinator, and enjoyed being a member of the Assistance League of Houston. She especially loved the sisterhood and comradery of her Elizabeth Baldwin Literary Society (EBLS) which met twice monthly for bridge. This group met for over 45 years. Toni was one of the last survivors of this special group of outstanding ladies.
Toni was a talented and creative student of art. Her many paintings, sketches, and creations hang in the homes of her family and friends. She made quilts and crafts for and with all eight of her grandchildren. She lived life with dignity, caring, and loving of others. Her children’s friends agreed that she was their favorite mother. She was described by one as having given to the world more than she took, which is a legacy to be treasured by her loved ones.
She is survived by her daughter, Myra Arendale Whitten, son Bruce and wife Lida Kane, son Karl and wife Bea Kopf, her beloved grandchildren Sara Whitten Lufburrow (Steven), Robert ‘Trey’ Holt Whitten III (Catherine), William Long Whitten, Alafair Arendale Hotze (Bruce), Antoinette ‘Katie’ Arendale Kampfer (Trey), Avery Hollan Arendale, Ashley Arendale Baum (Roshan), Kaymie Lynn Arendale (Susan), Adam Ross (Liz), Kelly Ross Canova (Travis), Andrew Allison (Ashely), Able Allison (Emily), John Allison, and her eighteen great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her loving husband Harry, her parents, brother Kermit Shimeall, sister Myra Jean Lowrie, cousin Norma Lou Cole and husband Paul, and son-in-law Robert Holt Whitten Jr.
Toni’s later years were blessed with a loving caregiver, Rosie Careage, who devotedly provided excellent care to Toni until her move to The Tradition - Woodway. The family is grateful for the love and care Rosie, the Tradition care team members, and Crossroads Hospice brought to our dear Teeto.
A memorial service is to be conducted in the sanctuary of Grace Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, January 17 at 2 PM. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Massey Tucker Hall.
In lieu of customary remembrances, those desiring may direct memorial contributions to Grace Presbyterian Church, Brookwood Community, or West Houston Assistance Ministry (WHAM).