Barbara Jean Watkins, 76


Barbara Jean Watkins, 76

Funeral services for Barbara Jean Watkins, 76, of Forsyth, is scheduled for 1 p.m. today, Jan. 31, 2018, at Family Life Church in Dora. Mrs. Watkins died Jan. 28 at her home.

She was born March 27, 1941, in Ozark County, the daughter of Farrell and Veta Berry. She graduated in 1959 from Dora High School, where she was crowned homecoming queen. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Wichita, Kansas, where she met her future husband, Ronald L. Watkins. They were married Nov. 3, 1962, and made their home in Wichita. They were married 55 years and raised four girls. Mrs. Watkins was a great homemaker, housewife and mother.

She worked for Walmart for 22 years as a department manager and then worked in the shipping and receiving department. After she retired from Walmart, Mrs. Watkins and her husband moved to Forsyth to live out the rest of their lives.

She was always there for anyone and often would sacrifice for the needs of others, always putting others before herself and considering others’ feelings before her own. She always had a smile on her face. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for anyone. She was loved much by all.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald, of the home; daughter Marla Kelly and her husband Tom and their son Zech of Pawnee, Oklahoma, daughter LaVona Watkins of the home and her son Brandon Winton and wife Catelyn and their children Paisley and Trex; daughter Tammy Gipson of the home and her daughter Lindsey Gipson and son Carter of Branson and Tammy’s son Dylan of Wichita; three great-grandchildren; four siblings, J.M. Berry, Alice Thorton, Farrell Wayne Berry and Kay Doubek; and many nieces, nephews and friends.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Sheryl Watkins; a grandson, Tyler Watkins; a granddaughter, Taylor Watkins; and two brothers, Sidney Hancock and Alfred Berry.

Burial will be at Blanche Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to defray expenses of a grave marker. Make gifts payable to Ron Watkins, c/o Whelchel Grace Funeral Home, P.O. Box 425, Forsyth, MO 65653.

Ozark County Times

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Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423