WILMINGOTN — Mama was suddenly and painlessly called Home by the Lord on a beautiful Thursday afternoon around 1:30 pm.
She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, James Daniel Watkins, Sr. and Lillie Sutton Watkins; her cherished daughter, Zena Bonita Heath; her adored siblings: Evelyn Rose Register, Robert Wayne Watkins, Nellie Ann Richards and James Daniel Watkins, Jr. and her loving cousin Charles Lee Justice Jr.
She is survived by her two cherished daughters; Fawn Melinda Byrd and Tryphena Aveline Lewis; two much loved son-in-laws; Bryon Byrd and Chad Lewis; Seven treasured grandsons: Shane Rivenbark, Chase Lewis, Jacob Lewis, David Heath, Will Lewis, Ty Lewis and Spenser Lewis; two adored granddaughters: Madison Byrd and Maddie Lewis and sister-in-law, Kay Watkins, as well as many loved nieces, and nephews and their children.
Mama was born at James Walker Hospital in 1945. She spent her young married life traveling the world as an army wife and mother of two young girls. After settling in Wilmington, she had her last child in1968. She was a stay home Mom for many years before becoming a Nationally Recognized Beauty Consultant for Fashion Two-Twenty, winning many awards for her accomplishments. She loved spending time with her siblings and parents as she watched her daughters play with their many cousins.
On Christmas Eve of 1978, Mama, along with her daughters, found the courage to leave her abusive husband of 17 years and seek the safe haven of her parents’ home. And safe it was indeed! There she and her girls flourished and were loved beyond belief! She worked as a waitress at Pender’s Café for 17 years before starting a job closer to home at Mike’s BBQ, she would remain there for 20 plus years, where she lovingly served the public through food service and southern hospitality. She and her cousin Charlie, made life fun for the girls by frequenting taking them to the movie theaters, trips to Dairy Queen and Candy runs to 7-Eleven.
Years later, Mama having had three girls, was over the moon to have seven grandsons in a row. Then, lastly two granddaughters. To say she spoiled them with all her love is an understatement! She adored them all.
Later in life, she and her Mama became a “great duo” after her father died. Often taking care of her grandkids so her girls could work, attending every birthday party (and there were A LOT!), handing out for Halloween candy while her grandbabies trick or treated and being there to check the bags when they returned. She attended many T-Ball games and backyard pool days. She also cooked Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for her family.
In 2005, the Lord saved Mama from a devastating heart attack, mitral valve replacement and open-heart surgery. Again in 2015, He healed her after a second valve replacement was performed. We were then and still are so very thankful for His gift of Mama for the last 17 years. Thank you Lord!
Mama’s last years were spent as a devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother. Tirelessly, beside her daughters, taking care of her Mama as she gracefully aged to 95 before going to Heaven in August 2021. She so enjoyed witnessing her grandkids grow into young adults and watched with much happiness all the videos of them at events she couldn’t attend due to being her Mama’s caregiver.
Oh, how we wanted more time with Mama!
A visitation will be held from 5pm – 8pm Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Coble Funeral & Cremation at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
A private burial will be held for family.
Pallbearers: Chad Lewis, Shane Rivenbark, Chase Lewis, Jacob Lewis, Ty Lewis and Spenser Lewis
