Sarajo Needham Watkins

Sarajo Needham Watkins of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home with her family at the age of 90 on 02/15/2025. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia on 08/10/1934 to her parents, Daisy Brown and Wayne Jasper Needham. She was a loving and cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother.

She attended Hapeville High School with her childhood sweetheart and future husband, Marvin Watkins. She was involved in many activities and playing basketball was her passion. She attended the University of Georgia where she majored in education. For the next thirty years she was a beloved and award winning teacher of young children. After retirement she became the first woman elected to the Hapeville City Council. Her accomplishments as councilwoman made lasting improvements for the community.

After joining her daughter’s family in Knoxville, she joined Church Street United Methodist Church. She continued to engage in many activities, including gardening, traveling, and attending Lady Vols basketball games. With her new Knoxville friends, she enjoyed many lunches and bridge games. Her most treasured times were spent at home with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daisy and Wayne Needham; her husband Marvin Watkins; and her sister Gloria Howard. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sallie and Mike Ehrhardt; her granddaughters, Katie and Demika Ehrhardt-Holt; and her nephew, Dale Howard.

Family and friends will gather for a graveside service on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11 AM in Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.

Condolences may be shared online at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com