WILMINGTON — Valerie Newlin Watkins, 63, died on Friday, September 16, 2022. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Valerie was born in Decatur, Alabama and grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina before settling down in Wilmington, North Carolina. She moved to Wilmington to attend college on an athletic scholarship for the UNCW Swimming and Diving team. Valerie was involved in the community through many non-profit organizations including the North Carolina Azalea Festival and the Cape Fear Fair and Expo. She also enjoyed working for Chick-fil-A where she did marketing for local restaurants and traveled the country to open new stores. Valerie loved cheering for the Carolina Panthers and The University of Alabama, searching for shark teeth at the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, Skip Watkins, and her children, V.J. Watkins and Brian Watkins. She is also survived by her brother Gary (Deborah) Newlin, her sister Anita Stack, her nephew James Webb, her niece Candis Fortner, her Labrador Ruby, and many more family and friends.
The family is planning a celebration of life and details will be provided at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating prepared meals to Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Center.
