Mary Elizabeth Henderson Watkins

Mary Elizabeth Henderson Watkins, 77, retired secretary for the Columbia Daily Herald, died Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at residences in Columbia. A graveside service will be conducted Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 2:30 P.M. at Old Orchard Cemetery in Petersburg, Tennessee with Reverend Tommy Vann officiating. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. The family requests that all in attendance to follow CDC guidelines on social distancing and facial coverings are required. The family suggests memorials to First United Methodist Church in Columbia, 222 West Seventh Street, Columbia, TN 38401 or the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born April 12, 1943 in Winchester, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late David Brooks Henderson and the late Lou Addie Neeley Henderson. She was a 1961 graduate of Lincoln County Central High School. On November 23, 1961, she married Clyde Hart Watkins who preceded her in death May 5, 2005. Mrs. Watkins had also worked for First United Methodist Church and the Columbia Area Mental Health Center. A very devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling. Mrs. Watkins was member of First United Methodist Church, Bruce Strothers Sunday School Class, Jane Knox Polk D.A.R, and United States Daughters of 1812 of Crockett’s Forge Seat Chapter in Brentwood. Survivors include her daughters, Nancy (Will) Harris of Columbia; Beth (Jim) Fullerton of Lewisburg; sisters, Judy (Charles) Cunningham of Fayetteville; Margie Henderson of Pikeville; grandchildren, Stephanie Harris (Kris) Webber, Laura Leigh Harris, Sydney Fullerton, Maris Fullerton, Brittany Fullerton; and great grandchildren, Walker Webber, and Evelyn Marin. Active pallbearers will be Jim Fullerton, Will Harris, Kris Webber, David Spencer, Charles Cunningham, and Neal Watson. Her long-time neighbor, Larry Jones will serve as honorary pallbearer. The family would like to express a special thanks to Caris Hospice, doctors and nurses at Maury Regional Medical Center, and doctors and nurses at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast, Destin, Florida.