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Martha Watkins Obituary
Watkins
Martha Lucile Watkins, age 83, passed on to be with the Lord, Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center. She was born, December 7, 1923 in Spencer Mountain (Gaston County), North Carolina to the union of Hiram and Beatrice Gardin. Preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Anne Mae Minter; brother, James Robert Gardin and husband, Charlie Watkins of 54 years. She moved to Canton, OH, in 1942, and was employed by the Hoover Company. She then married, Charles (Charlie) Fearne Watkins, July 29, 1944 and to that union they were blessed with seven daughters and one son, Patricia (Abraham) Smith, Sr., Veronica (Edward) Swint, Alva (Tracey) Watkins, Myra Watkins, Erica Watkins, all of Canton, Marcia Watkins of Columbus, OH, Teina (Thomas) Linthicum of Asheboro, NC, and Nancy (Martin) Tyer of Lithonia, GA. In addition to her children, she leaves to cherish three brothers, Bishop Osco (Geneva) Gardin, Sr., Charles (Helen) Gardin, Lamar Gardin all of Gastonia, NC; three sisters, Margaret Burris of Mt. Pocono, PA, Mildred (Howard) Diew of Gastonia, NC and Evelyn Massey of Orange, NJ; 25 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Martha enjoyed being a loving housewife, while raising her eight children. She also found pleasure in helping to raise several of her grandchildren. In her early years she was a member of Mt. Calvary Second Baptist Church; In her later years, she joined fellowship with Cathedral of Life Ministries. Employed briefly with the Canton City Schools (CCS) and a long-time volunteer with CCS, she was also a volunteer with the Head Start Program and the Child and Adolescents Transitional Program. Martha was an avid bowler for almost 40 years and participated in mixed, women's and church bowling leagues, through which she obtained many trophies and awards. She opened her home to many young ladies and men who needed help. Above all, she enjoyed teaching all of her children who Jesus is; hence leading all of them to Christ. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Services will be held on Saturday April 14, 2007 at 1 p.m. at Cathedral of Life, 4111 38th Street, NW, Canton, where Bishop Osco Gardin, Sr. will be eulogizing. Visitation will be on Friday, April 13, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday from 12 noon until time of service. Visitation will be held at Cathedral of Life. Condolences may be sent to: 1346 26th St. NW Canton, OH 44709. Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery.
RHODEN MEMORIAL HOME
330-455-7944
www.rhodenmemorialhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Watkins
Trim & Gail Perry
April 26, 2007
Teina, Thomas, Sharice, and girls ~ Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories bring you comfort, and the Joy of the Lord, give you strength, knowing Mom is in His presence forever more. Right where we strive to be.
Debra Giles
April 25, 2007
Teina and family
My prayers are with the family as you get past the transition of your mom, she is with the Lord now sitting at his feet telling him how much she loves all her family and patiently waiting to see all of you again some day. Love you much
Terry Joseph
April 16, 2007
Nancy and Family:
You're always in my prayers but especially during this time of being without your mother. Remember her life, love, and legacy.
DIANA WILLIAMS-FANIEL
April 16, 2007
TO PAT AND FAMILY, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE FAMILY,ONLY PRAYER WILL SEE YOU THRO AND GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU,KNOW THAT YOUR MOTHERS LOVE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU-IT WILL COMFORT YOU-HOW BLESSED WE WERE TO HAVE THEM FOR THE YEARS- -GODS PEACE--DIANA WILLIAMS-FANIEL,ALTADENA, CALIF.
Shirley and Danny Hoffman
April 15, 2007
we are so sorry for your loss Ronnie. Danny and Shirley Hoffman
Phyllis and Andrea Piasecki
April 15, 2007
Dear Pat and Marcia,
Your mom was truly a remarkable woman of strength, virtue, goodness and Christianity. She instilled in each of you all of her best traits.
You not only lost someone you loved; you lost someone who loved you back and cared deeply as to everyone's health, safety and well-being. Extending our deepest and sincerest sympathies to you and your families...all our love & prayers.
Katrina Mitchell
April 14, 2007
Missy&Watkins family
I will keep the family in my prayers. Nana was such a loving and caring person to everyone. I love you all.
katrina
Darrell Talbert
April 14, 2007
Nancy, Myra, Marcia, Erica and Family,
Tracy and I are saddened to hear about the loss of your mother. As believers in our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ, you have the assurance of seeing her and your father again. May you be comforted by that fact. God bless you all.
David and Rita Carson
April 14, 2007
To Martin and Nancy and all of the members of the Watkins/Tyer family we want to wish you our sincerest condolences at the loss of your mother Martha. In the times that we had the opportunity to meet with her, she was a very warm and sincere person one that we know will be greatly missed. Rita and I will be praying for you during this time of loss and we believe that God will give you strength to make it through. May God continue to comfort you and your family, and if there is anything that we can do to assist you during this time please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
David & Rita and
All the Carson Family
Kay Carroll
April 14, 2007
Ronnie,
Fran told me of your loss. I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your mother. I am sure that you have many good memories together to help you through your time of grief.
My thoughts and prayers are with you...
Love,
Kay Carroll
Tasia Fulton (Vance)
April 14, 2007
Ms. Myra, Morgan, Aysha, and family: I am sorry to hear about your loss! Ms. Watkins will be very missed! I will keep you all in my prayers. Love,
Liz Hogan
April 14, 2007
To Ronnie & Family,
I always Enjoyed your Mom's Visits to our store. She always had a smile and a Kind word. Heaven is her new home and JESUS went ahead to prepare it for her so she is in a GOOD Place. Sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers.
Charles & Oberon Matheny
April 14, 2007
To Nancy, Martin and the entire Watkins Family:
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Nancy's mother. We share in your sorrow and are here to be of what little comfort we can bring.Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May the grace of God give you strength and assurance in your time of need.
Beverly Spears
April 13, 2007
To Myra and the Watkins Family: You have my deepest sympathy and my prayers are extended to the entire family. Sincerely Beverly Spears and Arthur Jordan from Cleveland.
Angela Davidson
April 13, 2007
To Myra and the Watkins Family, My deepest sympathies go out to ALL of you. May GOD comfort you through this difficult time.
Patricia Hampton
April 13, 2007
Watkins,Smith,Compton family, "Absent from the body, present with the Lord", yet I will miss the sweet and gentile touch,voice,and genuine kindness that Mother always shared with all she came into contact with.Pure joy and love I will hold you all in my prayers. Looking for "His Glory" as she always did.
Fredrik Stevens
April 13, 2007
Pat, Myra, Erica, Nancy, Alva, Veronica, Marcia, Teina, Dunce, Angie, Anthony & All the Watkins Family
I am so sorry to her about "Nanna's" passing. She was like another grandmother to me when i lived in Canton and she could be very funny too! I miss all of our good times at Pat & Abe's house and i know what all of the grandchildren are going through because i just lost my grandmother a few weeks ago (my mom's mother). Please know that just like the song we used to sing with Pat's group "God Will Take Care of You" in this time!
God Bless you to all my "aunts" & my "uncle" alva and know that you are always in my prayers and my heart.
Fred (McNeill) Stevens
Lynn Buffington
April 13, 2007
Nancy and Family,
I am sorry for the loss of you mother. Sounds like she was a most special mother and person.
Just hang on to all those precious memories.
Sheldon Lewis
April 13, 2007
Alva and the entire Watkins Family:
May you find the strength that you need to get you through this very difficult time, in He who strengthens us all, Jesus Christ. Lean on your faith and God will see you through.
Cheryl Vinson
April 13, 2007
To Nancy and the Watkins family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of bereavement. May God continue to give you strength as you rejoice in the life your mother lived. And in knowing that she is at rest with the Lord.
Laureen Thompson
April 13, 2007
Dear Alva,
My heart goes out to you at this time of need. I remember a very nice woman I met a long time ago, who raised a good man who had integrity. Martha was a good mother and wife who believed in family and I honor her for that reason. Don't ever forget that she finshed her life assignment for God. You can be sure that she is in heaven, and don't worry just remember when you were young and she gave you so much care. She will continue to watch over you.
God Bless you and your family.
Laureen
Telishia Jackson, J'Leisha and RaJean Pope
April 13, 2007
Myra,
My thought and prayers goes out to you and your family in your time of sorrow.
May God Bless you all.
Love, The Dunivant/Moore Family
April 13, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
Elonda Eford
April 13, 2007
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Telisha Jackson, J'Leisha and RaJean Pope
April 13, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cindy Hartzell
April 13, 2007
Erica,
My heartfelt thoughts of sympathy go out to you and your family during this time of loss of your mother. May you always know God's love and comfort during these difficult times.
Lois DiGiacomo
April 13, 2007
Dear Myra and Family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the loss of your mother. I am leaving for Florida today, else I would have told you in person.
Be blessed always and all ways!
Linda Stevens
April 13, 2007
My Deat Pat and Family: Your loved one made a difference in the world and she touch so many lives. She made days brighter and happier for many.
"The life of a soul on earth lasts beyond departure. You will always feel that life touching yours, that voice speaking to you, that spirit looking out of others eyes. They live on in your life and in the lives of all others that knew them." (by Angelo Patri) This was told to me upon the death of my mother. May you also find comfort in these words.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this diifcult time.
Rhoden Memorial Home
April 13, 2007
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Hallie (Garner) Eford & Family
April 12, 2007
To The Watkins Family,
You have my deepest sympathy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you in your time of need.
Maxine Hooks
April 12, 2007
Nancy,
My prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. I pray that God's divine peace be with your family. I am positive that your mother will be missed hear on earth with you'll, but I also know from what I have read and heard about your mother, that she is with her heavenly Father, and she is enjoying every minute. Allow His love to comfort, strengthen, and guide you as He has done for you mother all these years. Trust Him even though you may not understand.
Bobby and Beverly Shelley
April 12, 2007
Nancy, to you and all of your family, we would like to extend our prayers for peace, and comfort during this time of your loss. Know that your mom is at rest, and lived a great life with a wonderful family that loved her.
Your extended family,
Arlene Logan
April 12, 2007
Pat,
I will always remember your mother as a smiling person who always found a reason to give a person the most uplifting complements. I will miss her pleasant ways. Earth has definitely lost a wonderful person but it is Heavens gain.
God bless you and your entire family!
Chris and Tracy Vance, and family
April 12, 2007
We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers, during this time of sorrow. Although we cannot be with you, you are close to our hearts. We love you!
Rosie Smith
April 12, 2007
Pat and the entire Watkins family
Just knowing Mrs Watkins was a blessing to me she always had a kind word to say, I will always cherrish the memories of the many cook outs we shared together and seeing her smiling face at SMITH NURSING HOME daily was a joy.
She is now resting safe in his arms.
You have my deepest sympathy!
PRAYING FOR YOU ALL.
Bernard Cameron
April 12, 2007
Nancy,
My prayer is that your faith will sustain you and your family as you bereave the loss of your mother. May God's peace and comfort be with you always.
Marshall and Elizabeth Barnes
April 12, 2007
To the Lucile Watkins Family:
May the dulcet memories of your mother and grandmother comfort you in the days and years ahead. And may the grace and peace of God rest upon you in your grief.
Karma, Ayana, Tariq and lil James Ede-Stinson-Pope
April 12, 2007
To the Watkins family,
I remember Ms. Watkins coming to our many functions with Myra and the children really loved her (especially her humor). May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Anthony (Monica) Corbin
April 12, 2007
Erica,
Your mother has left behind so many special moments for you that will live in your heart forever. May you find comfort in those memories and strength in the companionship of those who share your loss.
Lean on the Lord; he is always with you.
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Sherry Hosenbackez-Jackson
April 12, 2007
Pat, Marcia, and the Watkins children,and family. May God comfort you in the homegoing of your beloved Mother. What a Saint she was. I got to know her and enjoyed fellowshipping with her when we all bowled together on the Summer Church League. Miss Martha, made me laugh every Saturday, it was so much fun. Miss Martha was the sweetest lady and always had the Love of Jesus showing through her. The last time I talked with Miss Martha, was in Columbus, Ohio she was visiting Marcia, at church of course, in God's presence, she made me Laugh so hard and we enjoyed seeing each other. I got my last GOOD hug and kiss from her. I shall always cherish that Godly smile I last saw. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of a saint. Yes, Miss Martha was a saint. Take heart she and Mr. Charlie loved their children and they are together now. You had one of the best Mothers and Fathers in Canton, Ohio, their love for each other was awesome and their love for God was incredible. Look unto Jesus, for he is there to help in times of sorrow. In this time of earthly loss, God is still Good.
Wayne Gardin
April 12, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Quawanda Boyer
April 12, 2007
Nancy...To you and your family.
You have my deepest sympathy during this time. A mother is one of God's most precious gifts and there is nothing or no one like her. I know you will miss her, but remember she has lived her life here on earth and is now living with her heavenly Father.
Patricia Stokes
April 12, 2007
"In the quiet moments when the hurt is hard to bear, May love become your shelter and the beauty of precious memories be your comfort." You are held in gentle thought and prayer.
falana hancock
April 12, 2007
I am so sorry for your lost. Deepest sympathy for you and your family.
Mrs. Martha was a joy to know and take care of.
Beverly Franks
April 12, 2007
Nancy, may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rev George B Woods Sr
April 12, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rhonda Hart-Huguley
April 12, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Timeka and Jason Torrence and Family
April 12, 2007
Myra,
To you and your family,your in our thoughts and prayers.
May God Bless You ALL.
Geraldine Gillespie
April 12, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Debbie Washington
April 12, 2007
To my Aunt Pat and all of your family - Nanna is in a better place now. She was a joy to all that she came in contact with. Cherish her memories and celebrate her life.
Vince Watts
April 12, 2007
Aunt Lucile, Uncle Charlie, and Mom together again. I hope there's a bowling alley in Heaven!
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:6-7.
God Bless.
Margaret Myles
April 12, 2007
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
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