Mrs. James L. Watkins, Sr. (Sib) passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2015, at her home in Fayetteville at the age of 87.
She was born to Mr. & Mrs. James Allen Sibley on December 21, 1927 in Gay, Ga. and was raised in Woodbury, Ga. She graduated from Georgia Southwestern College where she was a member of the Kappa Gamma Sigma Sorority. She then attended the Piedmont School of Nursing in Atlanta. After completing nursing school, she was employed by Dr. John B. Duncan and Dr. Paul Turrentine in Atlanta.
She married James L. Watkins, Sr. on August 7, 1949, at her parents’ home in Woodbury, Ga. After their wedding, the couple moved to Avondale Estates, Ga. where they resided until moving to Fayetteville in 1978. Mrs. Watkins’ love for children was reflected throughout her life, and she was a long time Trustee on the board of the United Methodist Children’s Home in Decatur, Ga. She was a founding member of Avondale Pattillo United Methodist Church and served in many different areas there, particularly in the children’s ministry. After moving to Fayetteville, she became a member of the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church where she was active for 30 years. She also served as a member of the auxiliary at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. Her background as a nurse served her well her entire life as she always took care of everyone around her. She had a feisty spirit, a loving heart, gracious manners, and a tremendous sense of humor. Most of all, she was a faithful servant to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Mrs. Watkins is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. James Allen Sibley (Cecile Irene Stribling), as well as her son James “Jimmy” Lewis Watkins, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Mr. James L. Watkins, Sr., of Fayetteville; son and daughter-in-law Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. “Chuck” Watkins (Antha) of Fayetteville; daughter and son-in-law Mr. & Mrs. Larry Shipp Sellers (Gail) of Fayetteville; brother and sister-in-law Mr. & Mrs. James Allen Sibley, Jr. (Montez) of Mableton and Woodbury; granddaughter Kimberly Gail Watkins of Los Angeles, CA; grandson James “Jason” Lewis Watkins III of Los Angeles, Calif.; granddaughter Abbie Marie Watkins of Fayetteville; granddaughter Ashley Cecile Watkins of Fayetteville; granddaughter Sara Beth Watkins of Fayetteville; granddaughter and grandson-in-law Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Watts (Katelin Elizabeth) of Senoia; granddaughter and grandson-in-law Mr. & Mrs. Chad House (Joanna Leigh) of Fairburn; grandson Andrew Jameson Shipp Sellers of Atlanta; and great-granddaughter Elizabeth Claire Watts of Senoia.
The family received friends at the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home in Fayetteville on Sunday, January 11, 2015. Funeral services were held at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church on Monday, January 12, 2015, at 2 p.m., followed by a burial ceremony at Jones Chapel Church Cemetery in Woodbury, Ga.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the United Methodist Children’s Home (500 South Columbia Drive, Decatur, Ga., 30030).
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville – www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
