Elizabeth Ogburn Watkins

Elizabeth Ogburn Watkins departed life on October 25, 2011. Born October 30, 1919 to Lena Rivers and William Ogburn, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Rutherfoord Watkins; and siblings, William Ogburn and India Bane.

Her children, Janet Parrish, Thomas Watkins Jr. and India Watkins; and her siblings, Benjamin Ogburn and Rose Jones, survive her; as do six wild and woolly grandchildren, 11 mostly good, great-grandchildren, beloved nieces and nephews and a rowdy band of outlaw in-laws.

Elizabeth, aka, Betty, Sister, or "Ant Betty," was for 50 years the adored wife of Tommy, whom she met at a VPI dance. They married during the war and lived in California and Florida before settling in Charlotte CH, where she taught elementary school. A beloved teacher, she inspired students and faculty, who remember her with great affection. Betty was active with the Women of the Church, and the APVA and was a great cook and hostess in her home, Fair Oaks. She enjoyed picking, canning and freezing Tommy's abundant produce and sewing and knitting. An avid reader, she beat a regular path to the Charlotte Library. She loved to walk and on occasion was accompanied by a goat. The attention delighted her spry sense of humor, especially when the police were involved. Tommy and Betty spent their retirement years on the go, establishing traditions at Topsail Beach in July, holidays at Fair Oaks, New Year's at Farmington and trips abroad. It was a charmed life with a few frazzles, the saddest being her last year.

Today, however there is a great party celebrating her release from all suffering and reuniting with Tommy, friends and family. We thank each of you who loved Betty. She loved you, too.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. October 30 at Village Church in Charlotte CH. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Village Church or a charity of your choice .