Lillie Louise Watkins

WATKINS, Mrs. Lillie Louise - age 87, passed away, Sunday, December 11, 2016 at The Villa at Green Lake Estates. Family hour 10:30AM Wednesday, December 21, 2016 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 268 N. Perry St., with a Funeral service commencing immediately at 11:00AM. Rev. Dr. John D. Tolbert, Officiating. Interment Perry Mount Park Cemetery, 878 North Perry Street. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the funeral home 10:30 AM Wednesday. Mrs. Watkins will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 268 N. Perry St., from 1:00 PM - 8:00PM Tuesday. A time to be born … Mrs. Lillie Louise (Nance) Watkins was born on November 26, 1929 in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was raised by her loving maternal grandparents Candice and Sylvester Nance in Whiteville, NC. Lillie was raised with her nurturing and protective older brother Robert Lee Nance. She and her brother Robert spent many happy years on the family farm. This experience helped shape their character and the development of a strong work ethic. Her grandmother taught them the love of Christ and the importance of education. Lillie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Springhill Baptist Church of Whiteville, NC. Her family generously donated the land where the church was built. After her grandmother developed health challenges, Lillie was happily reunited with her mother; Hattie Nance Prince and four younger siblings in Raleigh, NC at the age of fourteen. Her siblings (Juanita, Harold Lee and twins Jessie Mae and Jesse Lee) lovingly embraced her and were proud to have her as their big sister. Lillie attended and graduated from Washington High School. A time to plant … As a young adult, Lillie, affectionately known as Louise, relocated to Detroit, MI to live with her uncle Al. Her high school sweetheart Jesse Watkins also moved to Detroit. They were united in holy matrimony and blessed with four beautiful children, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A time to embrace and love … Lillie cherished her entire family and expressed her love in words, deeds, prayers, encouragement, support and unlimited hugs and kisses. She was an excellent cook and took it as a personal insult if you did not leave her home full and satisfied. It was not unusual to be sent home with a late night snack. It made her heart happy to see others enjoy what she had lovingly prepared. Lillie took pride in keeping a beautiful home and showed the same pride working outside the home as a housekeeper. She enjoyed the friendship and fellowship of family and friends. Lillie was known to travel to help care for her mother and other family members. She volunteered to accompany children to school sponsored dental appointments. Ms. Lillie (Louise) never missed a parent-teacher conference. She diligently walked to see her children participate in school programs. Lillie encouraged and took pride in her children’s educational achievements. A time for peace … During her season of health challenges, Lillie did not complain. She faced her illnesses with faith and courage. Her doctor remarked that her feistiness extended her life. Lillie was not afraid of the unpredictable and shared that whenever God decided to take her home, she was ready. During the four years at Bortz Healthcare on Green Lake, W. Bloomfield, MI, she received tender loving care from the dedicated staff especially Jan (RN) and Wilma (CENA). Mrs. Lillie Louise Watkins made her peaceful transition and victoriously went Home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 11, 2016.

Lillie Louise Watkins

November 26, 1929 - December 11, 2016