Beatrice Fay Walker Watkins

With grateful hearts, we celebrate the life of Fay Watkins, who was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 13, 2024, at the age of 91. Though we mourn her loss, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and take comfort in knowing she is now resting in the arms of Jesus, surrounded by her friends and family who have gone before her.

Fay was born March 6, 1933, in Chicago, IL, and lived most of her life in the northern Chicago suburbs. She was born to her parents Beatrice Elizabeth Trumbull Walker and Hamilton Pierce Walker and was the youngest of three girls (sisters Joyce and Nancy). In 1951, she graduated from New Trier High School and entered Northwestern University as a piano major. Fay joined Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and was the Song leader. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education and later taught 4th grade in a Northbrook, IL school which she loved. She was also a choir director at Winnetka Presbyterian Church. She met Bill Watkins in the Winter of her senior year and the next Summer on July 28, 1956, she and Bill were married in the chapel of the Winnetka Congregational Church. They had three children (Kimberly 57’, Myron 60’, and Ginnie 62’).

In 1977, Bill purchased a company and the family moved to Colorado Springs, the city they still call home. Fay regularly taught piano lessons until her retirement in 2014. Fay then attended Charis Bible College and became a pastor. She and Bill became involved with Wellspring Ministries in Anchorage Alaska where Fay continued training and became an ordained prayer minister. While the majority of their time was spent in Colorado Springs, they lived 5 months of the year in Tucson, AZ where they also have a home.

Fay was known for her gentle spirit, compassionate heart, and deep faith. Her infectious laugh would cause a ripple effect of joy to anyone blessed enough to be in her presence. She could destroy you in a game of Bridge, needlepoint beautiful Christmas stockings, and cause you to weep at the mere taste of her strawberry meringues. Fay believed her purpose in life was simply to love and glorify God, and she did so in all things. She was a volunteer with the Junior League both in St. Louis and Colorado Springs and was a mighty prayer warrior for her family. She led many women to Christ, leaving the most beautiful legacy. Her strength and faith were a source of comfort to all, and her life was a testament to God’s grace and love.

She is survived by her husband, William (Bill) Watkins, with whom her marriage of 68 years was what she considered her “greatest satisfaction in life.” She is also survived by her adoring children Kimberly Vandenbergh (Daniel), Myron Watkins (Barb Brady), Ginnie Coast (Steven), her grandchildren Matthew Schroeder, Rebecca Cloe, Katie Laris, Will Coast, Christopher Coast, and Trevor Coast, as well as her great-grandchildren, Selah Schroeder, Caden Coast, and Annabel Laris. She is now reunited in Heaven with her parents and her sisters, celebrating eternal life in the presence of her Heavenly Father.

The family is planning a private memorial celebration. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to BrightSpring Hospice Foundation, or Gentle Shepherd Home Care, in her honor. Donations can be made online at brightspringhospicefoundation.org, for BrightSpring Hospice Foundation, or via check to Gentle Shepherd Home Care, LLC, 1271 Kelly Johnson Blvd Suite 220, Colorado Springs CO, 80920

We will miss Fay deeply, but her love, wisdom, and faith will continue to guide us. Her life was a beautiful reflection of God's love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that she is now at peace in His presence, where there is no more pain or sorrow—only joy everlasting. We can’t wait to see her again! 2 Corinthians 5:17