Jean Whitfield Watkins, 79, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
She was the wife of the late Alex Dyrl Watkins, Sr. for 59 years. She was a devoted wife, mother of 4 and Mema to 6 grandchildren. She married Alex in November of 1964 and started their family in 1966 with their first-born child. She was a stay-at-home mother until 1979 when she began working at Elliott's Fashions, which merged with another store and became Shelliott's Clothing. She worked there for many years, until she started at John Umstead Hospital in the purchasing department in the early 1990's. She loved watching the Hallmark Channel and was a die-hard Duke basketball fan and loved taking each grandchild to the games every year. She always made sure her family was taken care of and showed her family love through cooking every Sunday and gathering around the dining room table. Christmas was her favorite time of the year, and she made sure every grandchild got a special gift they wanted. She loved her children, but her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She always made sure she didn't miss a school event, sporting event or graduations. She loved planting her garden every year and canning and freezing the vegetables. She was a hard worker from her public job to taking care of her family. Her highlight every year was the yearly Watkins Beach Trip with her children and grandchildren to Emerald Isle and piling in one condo for the entire week.

She was a member of Banks Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Banks Methodist Church. Reverend Anita Carnes and Reverend James Shelley will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Jean is survived by her children, Andrea W. Bullock (Todd), Dyrl Watkins (Kathy), Gina W. Brewer (Rob) and Brian Watkins (Wendy). She was also the Mema to six grandchildren – Justin Bullock, Dustin Brewer, Bailey Watkins, Hayley Brewer, Greyson Watkins and Adyson Watkins. She is also survived by her sister, Betty W. Laws (Ben) and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Alex Dyrl Watkins, Sr. and her parents, Harold and Imogene Whitfield.

The family will receive friends Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall at Banks Methodist Church.

Jean had loving caregivers, Rhonda Schwarze, Kelsey Blackwell, Ruby Hesler, Martha Overby and Ms. Phil.

Jean wanted to add a special thanks to her amazing friends for all their support through her battles with cancer and supporting Alex through his sickness.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations made to Banks Methodist Church – PO Box 1276, Creedmoor, NC 27522

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at
sossamonfuneralhome.com.