My Mother began her journey on Dec. 5, 1931 in a small rural town in Big Sandy Tenn.  She lost her father in an accident at an early age and her Mother and brothers and sisters moved to Evansville Ind.  It was there she met her prince charming James D Watkins.  She was riding her bicycle in a very small park with her sister and some friends.   My father asked for her phone number and a true love story had begun.   In January of 1949 they were married and it lasted for over 41 years until his death in May of 1989.  They had six boys Jim, Gary and Jerry, Steve, Dennis, and Mike.  Gary and Jerry twins died within weeks after their birth.   This union produced 15 grand children and 29 great grand children.   Our Mother was the most devoted Wife, Mother, friend I have ever known.  She lost her our Mother in 1964 and became a mother to her two youngest brothers.  She helped raise a young niece and nephew and gave guidance to several other family members.  Our home was always open to family and anyone who needed a hand.  For over 18 years she worked at Wellborn Clinic and developed friendships that lasted the rest of her life.   She worked in supportive roles with our father in a small Nazarene church and continued to do so after his death.  When she retired she volunteered for several groups to help others.  Our Mother suffered with Rheumatoid Arthritis for the last 25 years of her life. It destroyed the bones in her body causing her a tremendous amount of pain every day.  She had several surgeries to repair the damage done by this disease.  I never once heard her complain about her life being hard.  She loved life and people no matter how hard it was.  When she would have to spend time in rehab she always came home with a new friend.  There was always someone who had it more difficult than her who needed a friend.  As I think about her on this Mothers day there are so many wonderful memories of how she shared her love.  On April 11, 2012 she left this earth and the world lost the most amazing human being I ever knew.  Several people mourned the passing of our Mother, however all of Heaven was rejoicing for one of their greatest Angels had come home.  We will miss you for all of the remaining days we spend on his Earth.  The love you gave to us and all of your family will last forever. 

Jim, Steve, Dennis, Mike your sweet sweet boys