Grace Bernice Watkins

Grace Bernice Watkins, age 93 of Murphy, NC passed away May 7, 2021, at her home. Ms. Watkins was born April 9, 1928, in Graham County, NC to the late Starlin Sawyer and the late Mattie Gladden Sawyer. An honorary member of Covenant Baptist Church, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Watkins; daughter, Joanne Watkins Payne; brother and sister-in-law, Willard & Mary Jane Sawyer; brother, Beacher Sawyer; brother and sister-in-law, Boyd & Bell Sawyer; niece, Willa Mae Sawyer Millsaps; and nephew, Shannon Sawyer. Grace retired from Fontana Village and loved watching professional wrestling. She loved the Lord and had a testimony for everyone who walking through her door.

Survivors include: daughter, Melinda (Ricky) Lee; son, Charles (Brandy) Watkins; grandchildren, Tresa Whitherspoon, Kimberly Watkins, and Reagan Watkins; sister-in-law, Ann Sawyer, great-grandchildren, Samantha Brendle, Ashleigh Wall, Sara Dilbeck, Bret Stevens, and Erica Carter; eight great-great-grandchildren; granddog, Boo Boo, special friend and caregiver, Brenda Ledford, numerous special nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends also survive.
Funeral services: Friday, May 14, 2021 at 2:00 PM from Covenant Baptist Church with Rev. Brant McNabb officiating, the family will receive friends at the church 1:00 till 2:00 PM.
Interment will follow in Santeetlah Baptist Church Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhome.com.