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Margaret Watkins Obituary
Margaret Donnell Watkins, of Charlotte Court House, passed away peacefully on Jan. 5, 2011, surrounded by her wonderful and loving caregivers, and has joined her voice in the heavenly choir.
Born Sept. 22, 1949, in Roanoke, Margy was the daughter of David Comfort Watkins and Margaret Smith Watkins. She is survived by her mother; her siblings, David Comfort Watkins Jr. and wife, Pam, Elizabeth Watkins Carson and husband Carter, and James Clement Watkins and wife, Allyson: her nieces and nephews, Allison Watkins Pillow and husband, Jeff, Emily Watkins Hamlett and husband Gary, David Comfort Watkins, III, Carrington Leigh Watkins, Scott Carter Carson, Isabel Wysor Carson, Mary Margaret Watkins, and Robert Wease Watkins; one grand-niece, Sidney Clifton Hamlett; and a host of adoring cousins and other loved ones, including the Starlets, and the Red Hot Tamales.
Margy graduated from St. Catherine's School in Richmond, and Queen's College in Charlotte, N.C., with a degree in music. She enjoyed a long career as an aide in Virginia's Fifth Congressional District, working with congressmen W.C. "Dan" Daniel, L.F. Payne, and Virgil Goode. She served on the boards of The Hampden-Sydney Music Festival and The Commonwealth Chorale, as Clerk of Session for Village Presbyterian Church, and as a member of the Charlotte County Master Gardeners. Margy had a remarkable affinity for the good things in life, and she engaged and she especially enjoyed leading others in a broad range of pleasurable and intellectual pursuits. She loved church, family, singing and listening to music, traveling, scuba diving, skiing, gardening, reading, cooking, and good wine. Margy also had a second and highly successful career as a doting aunt. Margy leaves a compelling legacy of faith, optimism, strength, courage, and grace.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on today, Jan. 7, 2011, at Margy's home, 352 Watkins Drive, Charlotte Court House. A memorial service and celebration of Margy's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at Village Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Village Church, or the Village Cemetery Fund, both P.O. Box 300, Charlotte Court House, VA 23923. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to browningduffer.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Watkins
Donna Peckham Watson
March 8, 2011
My condolences to the Watkins family. Margy was a true and rare treasure. I had the pleasure of working with her on the staffs of two Members of Congress - Dan Daniel and LF Payne. I was in my mid-twenties and in complete awe of all that Margy did and had to share. She was a wonderful friend and a great co-worker.
Eddie Mac
January 10, 2011
I have known Margy for fifty plus years and I can truly say I have lost a friend. Margy and her family helped shape the person I am in so many ways it would be hard to put in words. The best of so many memories will always be the passion she brought to everything and everyone she touched. I have always espoused the wonderfulness of growing up in Charlotte Court House. It was and is a unique enviroment to be from. Margy... you will always be an enormous reason for how special it was for me! We will miss seeing you but never ever will we forget the memories.
Marilyn Swanson
January 9, 2011
I first met Margy in 1998 when I moved to Charlotte County and started singing with The Commonwealth Chorale. In one of my first rehearsals I remember asking about the alto with the beautiful voice. When I heard her solos I was very impressed, but no more impressed than I was by her courage in fighting the disease that robbed her of her muscle strength but not of her grateful and joyful spirit. We will miss seeing her face at our next performance, but I trust she will be ever present with us in spirit!
Jennifer Moorefield
January 8, 2011
My condolences to the family. I worked with Margy under all the mentioned congressmen. She will be missed.
Lucy and Virgil Goode
January 8, 2011
Margy had great spirit and was an inspiration to many. She rendered outstanding service to citizens of the Fifth Congressional District for many years. Her zest for life was contagious, and she will be missed.
Alex Haskins
January 8, 2011
The quality of my life has been enhanced by God who allowed me to know, hear the beautiful voice of, sing with, and be inspired by the positive and friendly mindset of Margy.
Charlene and I pray that mother Margaret an all of the Watkins family be blessed with many joyful and comforting memories.
January 8, 2011
The quality of my life has been enhanced by blessings from God who allowed me to know, hear the beautiful voice of, sing with, and be inspired by the friendly and positive mindset of Margy.
Charlene and I pray that mother Margaret and all of the Watkins family be blessed with many joyfully comforting memories.
Alex Haskins, Red Oak, Virginia
Sally Vandiver
January 7, 2011
Margy, you put together the Queens group, who became the Red Hot Tamales...thank you for giving us that gift and the gift of your family and friends. I hope we continue the visits that started with you. Love and miss you...
January 7, 2011
you were the world to me Margy in changing this world.nmw
Jan Chapman
January 7, 2011
I and many fellow Chorale members will never forget the amazing gift of Margy's voice, her intelligence and knowledge, her dynamic personality, and her sheer determination. May God comfort all who are grieving.
Lucie Zehner
January 7, 2011
Your wonderful Christmas messages are a true inspiration to all. What a blessing to have known you!
January 7, 2011
Margy was a highly valued member of Commonwealth Chorale for years. She became a stalwart supporter of our performances, including being on our Board, for the years when she could no longer sing with us. She will be sorely missed. Jane Hohn, Chorale Secretary
January 7, 2011
Margy was one of the most amazing and influential people I have ever known. She taught us what real true friendship and love were all about. Everytime I see a shooting star I will think of her energy and enthuasiasm for all that she loved and taught us.
From one of her "Starletts," Nancy
Robert Watkins
January 7, 2011
We all love you, Margy. You were an inspiration for a life well-lived.
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