Vivian Watkins Watkins Keeton

She was born in Henderson, NC on November 19,1925, daughter of the late

Taylor J. and Grace W. Watkins. She graduated from South Hill High School and attended the University of Virginia Nursing School.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Col. (ret) W.P. Keeton, Jr. (Bill), of Raleigh, and their four children: Hope Schneider and her husband John, of Glen Burnie, MD; Dr. Wm. P. Keeton, III and his wife Paula, of Fayetteville, NC; Kathryn Stevens and her husband Mark, of Waldorf, MD, and LCDR (ret) John Keeton and his wife Tina, of Navarre, Florida. Vivian is also survived by nine grandchildren: Laura Hesse, Heather Arnold, Heidi Guth, Caitlin Keeton, Rachel Keeton, Will Keeton, Kelly Keeton, Katie Keeton, and Kari Keeton; and eight great-grandchildren: Marie, Brian, and Janie Hesse, Hayley and Zachary Arnold, Elise, Natalie, and Braden Guth.

Vivian is also survived by her sister, Hope W. Price, of Norfolk, Va., her brother, T.J. Watkins, Jr., of Tennessee, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her brother Jere E. Watkins, of California.

Vivian enjoyed her family and friends. She was a great cook and loved nothing better than to have a house full of people gathered around the table. There was always room for one more. She adored children and was a fun-loving, generous and shamelessly proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Vivian was a member of Ridge Road Baptist Church and the Fidelis Sunday School Class, the Garden Club, the Officers' Wives Club, the Hokie Club and the Bridge Club. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, several hospitals, Girl Scouts, and various church activities.

Vivian was particularly proud that she and Bill were able to restore the family farm house that her father had built. They spent many wonderful weekends there with family and friends, many times on the way to or from a Virginia Tech football game. The farm had resident hummingbirds that seemed to know when she had arrived and demanded that the feeder be filled with sugar water a.s.a.p.!

She loved the beach and enjoyed family gatherings at Ocean Isle Beach for over 50 years. She loved to collect shells and had fun showing the newest generation how to look for "treasures".

Vivian was a friendly, generous, gracious person who was always welcoming and fun to be around. We cherish the memories of all the ways she touched us with her love.

The family would like to acknowledge the kindness and care of the many Visiting Angels who took care of Vivian at home over the last 7 years, especially Doris, Toun, Jackie and Angela.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm Friday, April 15, 2011 at Ridge Road Baptist Church, 2011 Ridge Rd. Raleigh. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service, from 12-2pm in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s St. Raleigh, NC.