Lillie Sutton Watkins

Lillie is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Daniel Watkins, Sr ( J.D.), son James Daniel Watkins, Jr ( Dick ), son Robert Wayne Watkins ( Bobby ), daughter Nellie Ann Richards ( Ann ), daughter Evelyn Rose Register ( Ebbie ), son-in-law David George Register, Sr ( David ) and grand daughter Zena Bonita Heath ( Zena ).

She is survived by her daughter, Emma Jean Rivenbark ( Jean ), a daughter-in-law Kay Watkins, 13 grandchildren, 36 great grand children, 18 great great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lillie was born on the family farm on December 8, 1925 in Greenville, NC. At the young age of nine, she met and became friends with her future husband. After both families moved to Wilmington and years later, her and J.D. were married on May 27, 1942.

After accepting Jesus Christ as her savior as a young woman, she dedicated her life to the Lord and to multiplying His kingdom through personal testimony.

She worked in nursing services at James Walker Memorial Hospital for 13 years. Most of her life she devoted to being a loving wife, mother and grandmother. As the matriarch of her large family, she taught kindness, patience, humility, compassion, selflessness, loyalty and enduring love.

She lived her faith, showing love and kindness to others; freely giving grace and forgiveness to all!

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “ I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Pallbearers: Byron Byrd, Chad Lewis, Chase Lewis, Jacob Lewis, Ty Lewis and Spenser Lewis

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 2:00-4:00pm at the home of her Granddaughter, 1112 Canopy Way, Wilmington, NC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com for the Watkins family.