Joyce B Watkins

WATKINS, JOYCE BAKER A mother, wife and a dear friend, born April 28, 1928 went to be with her Lord on June 17, 2012. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lucille Pilcher Baker; her father, Paul Gordon Baker; and her beloved sister, Peggy Baker Lowry. Joyce attended Woodlawn High School and went on to graduate from Howard College (Samford ) with a degree in chemistry. As a research chemist, Joyce was instrumental in developing the first kidney dialysis machine in the country at Veterans Hospital. She would later retire from the U S Government and spent many years as a volunteer for Alabama Hospice. Joyce was an active member of Ruhama Baptist Church where she began teaching Sunday School at the age of 16 and continued to teach the Word of her Dear Lord for many years. She married Tom Watkins in 1951 who she lived to celebrate 61 years of marriage. Of all of her achievements in life, and there were so many, her greatest joy came from the time she spent with family, friends, and her relationship with her Lord and Savior. Joyce is survived by her husband, Tom Watkins; her sons, Thomas (Ann) Watkins, Jim (Joyce) Watkins, and John (Lynn Tankersley) Watkins; a grandson, Josh (Adrienne) Watkins; granddaughter, Kylie Watkins; and great grandson, Caleb who brought her smiles for a year. Joyce also left behind her dear friend of more than 45 years, Mrs. Peggy Mayhew. The family would like to give a special "thank you" to Mrs. Peggy Mayhew for her love and devotion and to Valerie Stanley and all the people at Alabama Hospice Services. Funeral service will be Tuesday , June 19, 2012 at 1pm at Ridout's Trussville Chapel with interment to follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday evening, June 18, 2012 from 6pm until 8pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Safe Harbor/ Hospice of Alabama.