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Heather Watkins Obituary


WATKINS HEATHER ANNE WATKINS The family of Heather Anne Watkins announces her passing in Poquoson, VA, on Thursday, August 2, 2012. Heather was born on September 27, 1982 in Columbus, GA, and is a graduate of Ferrum College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. She recently began a new career as an Administrative Assistant at Sentara hospital, Hampton Roads, VA. As the daughter of Federal employees, she spent her childhood as a cheerful nomad, living with her beloved sister and parents on the island of Cyprus, the Republic of the Philippines, and Bern, Switzerland. She lived in various locations in the United States, settling finally in Poquoson, VA, to be near her best friend and "second sister" Tonya Kiefer. She lived in Cyprus during a time of turbulent political unrest throughout the region, experienced the People's Revolution in the Philippines firsthand, in Switzerland was a classmate to the Princess of Lichtenstein, and was once approached by a journalist when another classmate was soon to become the current leader of North Korea. She quietly declined the interview, as she rarely looked back. Her focus was always on the future, the promise that a new day offered, and time with her cherished family and friends. Oh our sweet baby angel, you may have lost a battle to a disease you fought for twenty-five years, but you won the war and everyone's hearts. You refused to allow a debilitating disease define or limit you, and you faced each day with enthusiasm and joy. You were fiercely independent, traveled the world, fought through numerous ambulance rides and hospitalizations while at College to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree, and truly seized the day. You woke up very early one morning on a chilly day in Scotland to say that you wanted to climb a small mountain, and you did. You then spent that afternoon hiking castle steps with your family, and when your blood sugar dropped sharply and we worried and fretted, you sighed, laughed, and reminded us that this was just a speed bump in the day. Your entire life may have been a mountain to be climbed, but every day you woke up, smiled, and said "Off we go"! Our hearts and souls are truly crushed because we cannot think of facing the day without our sweet baby girl, but we will live our lives inspired and driven by the memory of your quirky sense of humor, and your indomitable spirit and enthusiasm for life. We know that you will be there with us every step of the way, letting us know when we are feeling a little too sorry for ourselves, or taking life a little too seriously. We love you precious Baby, and you will live on in our hearts always. Heather is survived by her beloved parents Joe and Terry Watkins and her sister Jennifer Watkins of Warrenton, VA; her uncles and aunts, John and Ellen Watkins and Janice Watkins of Philadelphia, PA, Robert and Alice Devall of Columbus, GA and Ken and Brenda Devall of Charleston, SC. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clyde and Margaret Watkins of Philadelphia, PA and Chuck and Barbara Devall of Columbus, GA. The familiy will receive friends this evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Moser Funeral Home, 233 Broadview Ave, Warrenton. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 8 at 11 a.m. at Leeds Cemetery, 4332 Leeds Manor Road, Markham, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Juvienile Diabetes Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 or www.jdf.org. Online condolences may be sent to www.moserfuneralhome.com

Published by The Washington Post on Aug. 7, 2012.
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My heart goes out to the family. Although I didn't know Heather, I'm inspired & encouraged by the words of her character & attitude towards life (noted in her obit), during her time of pain & uncertainty. I pray our God of mercy will embrace, comfort & give you (her parents) peace knowing that your babygirl is now one of His precious angelgirls watching over & comforting those who are still suffering, what she chose to take on with joy. God bless you.

Lora Coleman

August 7, 2012

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