Cecilia Smith Watkins

Cecilia Smith Watkins of Wilmington, NC passed away early morning on May 8, 2019 in Lexington, KY. Funeral services will be on Friday, May 17, 2019 at 11:00 am at Coble, Ward-Smith at 3915 Oleander Dr. in Wilmington, NC. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 am. Graveside services will follow the funeral at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Mrs. Watkins was the daughter to Eurb and Gladys Smith. She was born in Columbus County and attended Columbus County High School. Additionally, she studied at Millermotte Business School in Wilmington, NC. She worked for JC Penney for years as a buyer and office/operations coordinator. Other jobs included management positions for various hotels, restaurants and retail fashion stores. She also worked for the Elizabeth Arden company which she loved as she enjoyed fashion, make-up and a good French manicure. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lt. Col. John A. Watkins; her son, Timothy D. Smith; her brother, David Smith and niece, Kimberly Smith Elliot. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Smith-Stanland; son-in-law, Mark Stanland; grandsons Derris and Dalton Stanland; brother, Elbert Smith and his wife, Mildred; sister-in-law, Kay Smith; nieces, Allison Mereyde and Angela Polen and nephew, Dr. Ronald Smith; and several great nieces and nephews. Cecilia enjoyed listening to jazz and opera music, traveling to new places, going to the beach and eating a good nab with a Coke. She also liked to have a good laugh with her friends. She loved her family very much, especially the grandchildren. We loved her and she will be greatly missed! Bluegrass Care Navigators (Hospice) took great care of Cecilia during her final journey. Donations may be sent to Bluegrass Care Navigators, 2409 Members Way, Lexington, KY 40504 in memory of Cecilia Watkins. We would very much appreciate your support.