Evelyn Marie Watkins

Evelyn "Marie" Watkins, 98 1/2 years old, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away at her home on Friday morning, January 10, 2020. She was born in Knoxville, TN and moved to Memphis at a young age. Marie graduated from Nicholas Blackwell High School (which later became Bartlett High School). After graduation, she worked as a switchboard operator at the telephone company in Memphis. Marie also worked at Fisher Aircraft Company during World War II. (She was our family's own version of "Rosie the Riveter.") Marie later married W.P. Willie Watkins and moved to Olive Branch, MS where she resided for approximately 75 years, until her death. She was a homemaker, excellent seamstress, and avid gardener. Marie was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Willie; two sons, Bobby and Allan; one great great granddaughter, Albree, and two sisters, Doris and Juanita. Marie is survived by Nita (Tony) Peyton, Billy (Pat) Watkins, Gary (Angie) Watkins, Bettye (Gary) Perron, and Edward Watkins all of Olive Branch, MS; Joyce (Cas) Keel of Laws Hills, MS, Gail (Larry) Jones of Byhalia, MS, and Renee (Ralph) Scott of Burnsville, MS. She also leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 9 great great grandchildren, two nieces and two nephews. A graveside service will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Bethel Cemetery on Bethel Road in Olive Branch, MS.