Mrs. Jessie Hays Hays Watkins

Jessie Hays Watkins, 91, who died 15 February, will be best remembered for her strength, wisdom, integrity, and unfailing sense of humor. She was steadfast in her love for family, friends and all who needed a helping hand. We may take instruction from her exemplary life.

Born in Greenville, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Taylor Hays and Marie Burklein Hays. Upon graduation from Parker High School in 1942, she enrolled in Draughon’s business college to study shorthand, typing and bookkeeping. After graduation, she became a secretary for Westinghouse Corporation. In 1950 she married the love of her life Hugh Dawson Watkins, having met upon his return from World War II in 1945. They centered their lives around family and after the birth of their two daughters, she left Westinghouse behind.

She focused her spiritual life at Sans Souci Baptist Church, fondly reminiscing she was present for its founding as a baby. Working with children in numerous programs especially gave her great joy. She remained dedicated to participating in church activities until her husband’s and her declining health prevented her from attending.

Surviving are two children and their spouses, Marie Watkins and husband Les Weaver of Incline Village, Nevada, and Susan Adams and husband Clyde of Lancaster, South Carolina. Also surviving are brother-in-law Tommy Watkins of Greenville, a nephew W.H. "Bill' Epton and his wife Cheryl of Spartanburg, and two nieces, Martha "Missy" Cooper and her husband Marlow of Bryon, Georgia, and Melinda Watkins of Landrum, and numerous beloved cousins and their families.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 20, 2017 at The Mackey Mortuary. A funeral service will follow in the mortuary chapel at 2:00 pm with Dr. Jeffery Brown and John Baker officiating. Interment will follow at 3:30 pm at Graceland West Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend sincerest appreciation to Jessie’s special caregivers at Hawthorne Assisted Living and to the 5B and 2C floor staffs at Greenville Memorial Hospital for their tender care in her last days.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you practice small random acts of kindness as Jessie did in her belief that they can change the world.