Molly Watkins Farmer passed away on Monday January, 26, 2026. Molly was resilient, outgoing, independent, an ardent War Eagle fan, and a loving wife, sister and aunt. She was born in Columbus, Georgia on July 9th, 1947 to the late Oline “Totsy” Kelly Watkins and Richard “Dick” Watkins. Molly was one of three daughters and considered herself to be the son her father never had. Molly loved spending time with her dad, golfing and tailgating at the Auburn games. Auburn roots run deep in Molly’s family. Molly was a class of ‘65 Columbus High School graduate. After high school Molly went to Perry Business College and then she was employed by the State Department of Human Resources Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Molly met the love of her life, Andrew “Andy” Farmer of Blackshear, Georgia, while he was stationed at Fort Benning. Molly and Andy married on May 12,1973. Even though Andy’s job took them to the Atlanta area after their marriage, a few short years later Columbus called them back and Columbus is where home was and will always be for Molly. Molly was employed for many years with the Georgia Department of Labor. She was Christian by faith and loved her family dearly. Molly loved all animals and she spent many volunteer hours with PAWS of Columbus. Her fun loving, carefree spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Molly was a friend to many and a treasure to all.
She leaves her legacy to be treasured by her loving husband, Andy Farmer; sister, Pam Watkins Young (Andy); her son, Paul Renault; nephew, Richard Young (Allison); nephew, Drew Young (Della); niece, Kelly Branch; nephew, Jason Branch (Cile); brother-in-law, Eddie Branch; her nieces and nephews on Andy’s side of her family include: Amy Penne (Bryan), Dana Ward (Robert), Shirley Closson (Eldridge), and Frank Farmer; also included to treasure her loving spirit are her caregivers: Alicia Harris Jones and Bria Oestricher; and many friends. Molly was preceded in death by her parents, Totsy and Dick Watkins and her sister, Frances “Fran” Branch.
A family graveside service with Dr. Jimmy Elder officiating will be held on Friday January 30, 2026 in Parkhill Cemetery Columbus, Georgia. A celebration of life service and visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM in the Mill Room of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road. To honor Molly, attendees of the celebration of life can wear orange and blue for her favorite team, the Auburn Tigers.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to PAWS Humane, Inc. 4900 Milgen Road, Columbus, GA 31907 or www.pawshumane.org ; or to The Fran Branch Caregiver Endowment Fund at Columbus Regional Foundation.
