Barbara Camille
Cooper Watkins
1932-2016
Barbara Camille Cooper Watkins, also lovingly known as Babs, "BW" and Baboo, passed away peacefully at home on February 27, 2016 with family and beloved friends by her side.
Babs was born November 22, 1932 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Homer Van Cooper and Eunice Hudson Cooper. She was graduated from C.E. Byrd High School where she made many life-long friends. She was married to Mason Martin Watkins on January 17, 1952 and they eventually settled in Houston in 1963.
Babs was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, Martha Ann Cooper Wray, and granddaughter, Camille Cooper Watkins.
Babs was a respected interior designer. She owned several antique and design businesses throughout the years, often with partners who became lifelong friends. Her most enduring collaboration was established in 1995 and continues today. Babs' distinctive and elegant style, in both her dress and her interiors, is unmatched. Most importantly, her joyful soul and infectious laugh left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. Babs was devoted to her family and friends.
She is survived by her son, Mason M. Watkins, Jr.; daughters, Julie Watkins Baker and husband, Paul Heim and Anne Watkins Redding and husband, Ray Redding; grandchildren, Haloise Hudson Redding, Emily Baker Ries and husband, Keith, Raymond P'Pool Redding, Jr., Annie Baker McDonald and husband, Andrew, Cooper Mason Watkins, and Rachel Camille Redding; and great-granddaughter, Eloise Watkins Ries. She is also survived by her niece, Anita Wray White and children John, Liz, Babs and Jim White, as well as lifelong friend Connie Robertson Tarver and her family.
A memorial celebration will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 5, 2016 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 3816 Bellaire Blvd. in Houston. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Babs' honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Houston Hospice or the charity of your choice.
The family would like to recognize and thank Ms. Katie Walker for her love and care for over 30 years. We express our thanks and gratitude to the wonderful women who cared for and loved Babs during these past five years: Lana Girdy, Shanda Ireland, Valencia Hanks, Faye Bazile, Jessie Thompson, Marsha Joyner, and Myrtis Williams. Also, our sincere thanks to the doctors of Baylor Geriatrics and the team at Houston Hospice. And to all the dear friends who are too numerous to name, we love you.
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Published by Houston Chronicle from Mar. 2 to Mar. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Watkins

Sponsored by Joseph Earthman Generations.

9 Entries

Renee Pernoud

October 11, 2020

Dear Annie,

This is Renee Pernoud. You may not remember me, but your mother was an inspiration to me. The house that she created on Sunset has long been in my memories, as well as the wonderful tribute your father gave to your sister, Julie, on her 16th birthday. As I recall, Mr. Mason, your father, played a record over and over...I believe it was Chuck Berry's Little 16 on a 45 record player he set up in the hallway. I had the wonderful opportunity to be invited for a stay-over and I recall waking up the next morning to the recording playing over and over to your sister's dismay.

I'd like to say more, and I am loath to use the net, but I am not so sorry for all of your pain. Parent lose is so hard, no matter the age we become orphans.

Blessings

April 13, 2016

We are neighbors and wanted to express our sincerest condolences to your entire family. It is certainly the passing of an era and may Babs rest in peace now forever.

With our kindest thoughts and sympathies at this sad time,
Amanda and Tim Horan

Joyce Horn

March 4, 2016

Babs, was such a talented and lovely lady. She will be remembered and missed.
From all of us at Joyce Horn Antiques.

March 4, 2016

Very sorry for the passing of your loved one Barbara. Knowing that your loved one is resting and not suffering anymore brings peace and comfort to the family . May God remember your loved one Barbara . 1st Thessalonians 4 : 14 . And may he comfort you .

Julie Bridges

March 4, 2016

we grew up playing with the Watkins girls. I remember babs gave me a red shirt with my initials on it JEB and oh how I loved wearing shirt. They had one of the best houses on Sunset and I loved going over there. I remember how tan Babs was and how my mother Kathleen looked like Casper the ghost. Those were some fond memories that I can remember and how gracious and kind this family was and still is. My sister Melissa sent a text to me and my sister Jamie to let us know about Babs passing. To the family please know our hearts and prayers go out to each and every one of you. I'm sure my parents Kathleen and King were there meeting her with open arms and a loving embrace. And yes Babs is still tan and Kathleen is still Casper.

Fran Brennan

March 3, 2016

Dear Julie and Anne, and families,

I was so saddened to learn of the death of your beloved mother Babs. She was such a delightful person and a joy to know. She was a unique talent with an impeccable eye for beauty. She will be missed.
All my love,
Fran Brennan

Jimmy Lohman

March 3, 2016

I had the great fortune to meet Babs in 2000, when she had grandchildren from pre-school to high school. She instantly made me feel like family and extended her warmth and generosity with no limits. She was and probably still is a true aesthete. Her eye and orientation to color and space are present in my life through generations of inculcation. She loved and appreciated great music deeply. She made my life better.

carolyn smith

March 2, 2016

to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. ~ thomas campbell

they may leave our lives, but they will never leave our hearts.

blessings to you all during your time of grief.

michael chmiel

March 2, 2016

I still remember those days when you would come into the gallery just to say hello. Rest in peace.
I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

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