Shirley Jean Watkins

Mrs. Shirley Jean Watkins, 82, of Edna, Texas, entered into rest on Friday, July 19, 2019 at Ganado Nursing and Rehab Center in Ganado, Texas.   

 Mrs. Watkins was born in Heloise, Tenn. on Nov. 1, 1936 to the late John and Ruth Henry. She was raised in Michigan and graduated from Romulus High School in Romulus, Mich. She also attended Tulsa Bible College. She worked for many years as a secretary until she moved to Tennessee when she met her “Prince Charming.” She served for many years at Liberty Christina Academy. She attended Liberty Apostolic Church for 42 years and the later years at First Pentecostal Church of Edna. She had a heart for the work of God and was a wonderful example of a Christian lady.     

Survivors include her daughters, Melinda (Michael) Kazmir of Edna, Delia (James) Vargo of Akron, Ohio; and son, Robert (Penny) Watkins of Newbern, Tenn.; brothers Ray Henry of Canton, Mich., Lowell Henry of Gaffney, N.C. and Clyde Gasser of McKenzie, Tenn.; sisters, Ruth ann Allen of Milan, Mich., Brenda Moilanen of Romulus, Mich., Betty Householder of Belleville, Mich., and Rachel Chambless of Sarepta, La.; four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.     

Mrs. Watkins was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles Watkins; parents, John Henry and Ruth Gasser;  seven sisters, Helen Martin, Anna Householder, Wanda Roberson, Janeita Robinson, Frances Luther, Evelyn Gasser and Charlotte Mullins; and brothers, Charles Henry, James Henry, Bud Gasser, Gerald Gasser, Pascal Gasser, Kenny Gasser, and Carl Gasser.     

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 29, 2019 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Bowlin Funeral Home in Dresden, Tenn. and on Tuesday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Liberty Apostolic Church. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Liberty Apostolic Cemetery.   

 A special thanks to Ganado Nursing and Rehab Center and Hospice of South Texas for your outstanding care and support during Mrs. Watkins’ final days of her life.