Shirley Watkins

Shirley A. Watkins, 74, of North Vernon, passed away at 4:36 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at the IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

In keeping with the family wishes, no service will be held at this time. Cremation was chosen. Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service are entrusted with the arrangements.

Born on July 16, 1949, in Moss, TN, Shirley was the loving daughter of Harley Gib and Allie (Odel) Cherry. She was united in marriage to David Watkins on January 20, 1969. He preceded her in death on June 23, 2022.

Shirley was a former Cummins employee, then opened a daycare in her home. She was dearly loved by her daycare children and parents. She enjoyed gardening in her flower beds, decorating her house, doing crafts, shopping, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include daughters, April (Ed Maiden) Watkins of Lexington, Melissa (Timothy) Maiden of Dupont, Audrey (James) Franks of North Vernon, and Tonya (Charles Cravens) Watkins of North Vernon; son, Terry (Donna Justice) Williams of North Vernon; sisters, Evelyn (Larry) West of Columbus, Dale (Marty) Wachtstetter of Columbus, Janet Miller of Columbus, Penny (James) Mcleery of Columbus; grandchildren, Angel, T.j., and Tiffany Anderson, Amber Rudolph, Allen, and Heather Williams, Carmen Hulse, Kayla Moore, Matthew Williams, Jeffery Douglas, Crystal Johnson, Jessica Bolding, Christopher Johnson, David Franks, Whitney Morin, Sierra and Bittany Rogers; several great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harley and Allie Cherry; husband, David Watkins; brothers, Gene and Clyde Cherry; sister, Margie Hammack; brother in laws, James Hammack and Kenneth Miller; grandson, Terry Fritz.

Memorials can be made through the funeral home to the charity of the donor’s choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Watkins, please visit our floral store.