Grace Bernice Watkins, age 93 of Murphy, N.C. passed away Friday, May 7, 2021, at her home.
Ms. Watkins was born April 9, 1928 in Graham County, N.C. to the late Starlin Sawyer and the late Mattie Gladden Sawyer.
An honorary member of Covenant Baptist Church, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Watkins; daughter, Joanne Watkins Payne; brother and sister-in-law, Willard and Mary Jane Sawyer; brother, Beacher Sawyer; brother and sister-in-law, Boyd and Bell Sawyer; niece, Willa Mae Sawyer Millsaps; and nephew, Shannon Sawyer.
Grace retired from Fontana Village and loved watching professional wrestling. She loved the Lord and had a testimony for everyone who walking through her door.
Survivors include: daughter, Melinda (Ricky) Lee; son, Charles (Brandy) Watkins; grandchildren, Tresa Whitherspoon, Kimberly Watkins and Reagan Watkins; sister-in-law, Ann Sawyer, great-grandchildren, Samantha Brendle, Ashleigh Wall, Sara Dilbeck, Bret Stevens and Erica Carter; eight great-great grandchildren; dog, Boo Boo; and numerous special nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 14, 2021 at 2 p.m., from Covenant Baptist Church, with the Rev. Brant McNabb officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 1-2 p.m., prior to the service.
Interment will follow in the Santeetlah Baptist Church Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at cochranfuneralhome.com.