Shirley Jean Watkins

Shirley Jean Watkins passed on April 12, 2026, at the age of 82. She was born in Athens, Georgia. Shirley was the youngest of three children and the only girl. In 2012, she moved to Habersham County. She attended Mt. Tabor Baptist Church then Tallassee Road Church of God for many years.

Shirley was excellent with numbers and worked as a tax preparer for over 60 years before retirement, along with managing the financials of her church for a number of years. She loved her profession because she loved her clients. When she wasn't working, she enjoyed traveling-- especially camping in the North GA mountains. At home, a favorite evening would be some shopping, an action movie, and a trip to Red Lobster. Though she didn't have a green thumb, she really appreciated flowers and often used flowers and ferns in home decoration, which was a favorite past time. She was highly involved in the founding of her daughter Abby's organization Herds of Hooves and, while she did not ride, she loved horses from a distance. She poured herself into her people, especially her "precious," her grandson Nathaniel.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Amos and Dessie Savage, her husband Harvey Eugene Watkins.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Abby (Joe) Walker; her grandson Nathaniel Walker; her brothers Bobby (Mary) Savage and James Savage; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

We welcome all who knew and loved Shirley to join us on Friday at Smith Funeral Home, Winder, Georgia for visitation from 11-1. The funeral service, officiated by longtime friend and former pastor, David Ashwill, will follow at 1pm.