Helen Delores Watkins

Helen “Delores” Watkins, 80, of Evansville, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at Deaconess Hospice Care Center. She was born December 5, 1931, in Big Sandy, TN, the daughter of Willie and Celia Beaton.

She was an exceptional devoted, caring and loving person for all her life. Delores began her married journey with a wonderful man, James D. “Jack” Watkins in January of 1949. The marriage lasted for over 41 years until his death in May of 1989.

Delores gave of herself not only to her immediate family but reached out to others as well. Delores provided love and guidance to nieces and nephews at many times in her life and provided care of her elderly aunt in the last years of her aunt’s life.

She worked in the church in many supportive roles with her husband and continued for many more years in the Nazarene faith. She volunteered with SWIRCA and First Southern Baptist for many of their senior trips. The senior trips were special to her to spend time with her old and new friends; they toured the USA and Canada. Delores had a 28 year plus working career at Welborn Clinic and made numerous friendships that continued a lifetime.

She loved being around her grandkids and great grandkids, they always brought smiles to her face. Words are inadequate to describe the love that her sons have for this special lady. Delores provided guidance, discipline, and most of all love, when they needed it the most. She suffered with Rheumatoid Arthritis for the last 25 years and never once did she ask, “why me?” She accepted and fought through the crippling disease with the assurance that God would deliver her and He has.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 41 years, James D. “Jack” Watkins; infant twin sons, Gary Wayne and Jerry Michael; sister, Vertriss Wade; and brother, Bobby Ray Beaton.

She is survived by her four sons, Jim (Winnie) Watkins of Clearwater, FL, Steve (Crystal) Watkins of Hollywood, FL, Dennis (Vera) Watkins of Bakersfield, CA and Mike (Lisa) Watkins of Evansville; grandchildren, Rachael (Mark) Miles, Aaron Watkins, Kary (Robert) Wade, Melissa Watkins, Jason (Jennifer) Watkins, Holly (Nick) Donnan, Summer (Jacob) Mayes, April (Adam) Wason, Melanie (Scott) Ayers, Jennifer (Jeff) Butler, Todd (Becky) Lynch, Wendy (Gary) Franke, Ryan (Denay) George and Amy (Michael) Hensley; 29 great-grandchildren; brothers, Donnie Darnell of Evansville and Chuck Darnell of Henderson, KY; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, April 14, 2012, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Pastor Kathy West, Faith Church of the Nazarene. Friends may visit Friday from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. No graveside services will be held.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Siage and Nurse Judy for their years of supportive care, Health South caregivers for the many times that Delores was rehabilitating under their care and Deaconess Gateway Hospital. An extra special thank you to the Deaconess Hospice Staff: Kerri, Jana, Valorie, Helen, BJ, Jean, Christy, Sharon, Tamiko and Becky, the care and compassion they provided during the last days was amazing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Deaconess Hospice Care Center, 600 Mary Street, Evansville, IN 47747, in memory of a relative or friend.