Betty Jo Lawrence Watkins

NORTHPORT – Betty Jo Lawrence Watkins, age 88, of Northport, died February 18, 2016, at Fair Haven Nursing Home. Service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 21, 2016, in the Serenity Chapel Mausoleum with Sunset Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the mausoleum. She was preceded in death by her husband, James A. ""Watt"" Watkins; sister, Elizabeth Smith Tennyson; and brother, George Gomer ""Buddy"" Lawrence, Jr.Survivors include her daughters, Wendy Kendrick and Lori Boswell (Michael); sister, Jacqueline Keller; sisters-in law, Mary ""Pete"" Nelson, Suzanne Watkins and Betty Watkins; brother-in-law, William ""Buddy"" Keller; grandchildren, Alexis Anne Kendrick, Richard Mark ""Rick"" Kendrick, Jr., Hannah Grace Boswell and Margaret Eugenia ""Maggie"" Boswell; and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Watkins was born on October 20, 1927. She was married to her husband, Watt, for 59 years. She attended the University of Alabama and was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. She retired from the University of Alabama where she was an Administrative Assistant in the Office of Contracts and Grants and prior to that was employed by Ziegler's, Cole Supply and Gulf States Paper. She served as an officer for the Elysian Club of Northport and was a member of DAR, the Historic Preservation Society of Northport and the Women's Circle of the Northport First United Methodist Church. Betty was a beautiful and gracious southern lady with a loving heart and a strong but gentle spirit. She was a loving, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved to dance and to tell stories about her high school days when she and her sister, Jackie, were majorettes together. Betty was an inspiration and example for all women, always optimistic, encouraging and would lift you up with a beautiful smile on her face. She helped to instill confidence and a sense of independence in her children and grandchildren. She was a good listener and lent a helping hand when needed. She won the hearts of everyone she met. Betty was loved by her family and friends. She will be missed greatly. Honorary pallbearers are the beloved family and friends of Betty Jo.