Jeanette M. (Stratman) Watkins

She graduated from Mater Dei High School in 1967 and Indiana State University in 1971 with a degree in Mathematics. Jeanette was a teacher for the Mt. Vernon School District before moving to Florida in 1972. She was a dedicated Middle School and High School mathematics teacher for over 30 years in the Hillsborough County School District located in Tampa, FL. She continually dedicated herself to her students and fellow teachers in every aspect of her day. Every moment was a learning session of some sort with her in any type of interaction. She lived her dream of not only being a teacher, but eventually retiring at the place she so loved; The Beach, her home away from home. Jeanette spent so many days and weekends working on her tan or as she said, “Just soaking in some rays.” She enjoyed the beach, jigsaw puzzles, fishing, playing cards, and she loved spending time with her granddaughters and family.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, Julia and Sylvester Stratman; and brother, David Stratman.

She is survived by her daughter, Rachael Miles (Mark) of Newburgh, IN; son, Aaron Watkins of Tampa, FL; granddaughters, Brooke, Haley and Allison Miles of Newburgh, IN; sister, Carol Learned (Norm) of Anderson, IN; brothers, Stephen Stratman (Linda) and John Stratman (Judy), both of Evansville, IN; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 10, 2013, from 12:30 to 4:00 PM, at Preservation Hall, 200 State St. in Newburgh, with a Memorial Service at 1:00 PM. Additional parking is available at Newburgh Elementary.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to The American Cancer Society.