Riley Caroline Watkins

Riley Caroline Watkins was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend. She passed on the morning of June 6 after a courageous and inspiring battle with cancer. She was 21 years old and a student at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Riley is survived by her parents, Heather and David; brother, Stokes; sister, Tinsley; grandparents, Ralph and Betty Lyon; and grandmother, Jean Watkins.

She was born on October 2, 2001 in Kansas City, MO. Raleigh was home for Riley where she attended school at Lacy Elementary, Martin Middle School, and Raleigh Charter High School prior to attending UNC.

Riley’s spirit, big smile, always positive attitude, and absolute fairness she applied towards all matters and people were characteristics that made her loved and embraced by many. While she touched countless people with these amazing attributes, she was also quick to point out that she was the beneficiary of so many great people and gifts. Family was first for Riley, and her mother Heather was her number one for anything and everything, steadfast by her side throughout her battle. She also was blessed by the amazing dedication and professionalism of the medical staff at Duke University, nurses and doctors that tirelessly worked to get Riley in a good place and did so with unmatched care and commitment. There were many others, and Riley made certain to acknowledge the impact they had on her.

Swimming with Marlins of Raleigh was her sport of choice and a big part of her life prior to her diagnosis. Her home away from home, and place most special to Riley, was Camp Seafarer in Arapahoe. Riley attended Camp Seafarer from age 6 as a camper, ultimately became a counselor, and was impacted by and also touched the lives of many people along the way. Her final days included visits from camp friends and camp leadership, and those special moments are cherished by her and her family. Becoming a Tar Heel, being an active member of Chi Omega sorority where she served as President her sophomore year, and being a student recruiter for the football team, fulfilled her amazing UNC experience. Although her UNC journey was abbreviated by her passing, she absorbed everything and captured the moment. Recent visits from her sorority sisters and friends were numerous and her family is so grateful for the outpouring of love. Riley was an avid reader and was always quick to recommend her favorites or provide a review. If you spent time with Riley or simply followed her on social media, you also know she was a foodie. Few things excited her more than an amazing culinary experience in whatever locale she happened to be, occasionally attempting to recreate in her own kitchen. Most precious of all, Riley found joy in extending kindness to others. The stories and examples of her warmth and heartfelt gestures are many, and this is what she would want to be most remembered for.

Riley’s time with us was too short, but we are beyond grateful and thankful for every minute we had. We wish there were more, but her heart and spirit will always be with us. We love you Riley!

A private service for the family was held at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Camp Seafarer on September 10, 2023 at 3:00 pm, with additional details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of the following:

Riley’s Chi Omega sisters are honoring her leadership and Presidential legacy with the Riley Watkins Memorial Library and Scholarship. To donate in memory of Riley, please go to https://rileywatkinsmemorial.causevox.com/ or mail to: Chi Omega Foundation / Attn. Kim Clark / P.O. Box 807 / Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Please write Riley Watkins on your memo line.

To donate to Camp Seafarer in memory of Riley, please go to http://www.seagull-seafarergiving.org/ or mail to: Camp Seafarer / 2744 Seafarer Road / Arapahoe, NC 28510.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.