Geraldine Kortz Watkins

Geraldine Kortz Watkins Geraldine Kortz Watkins died peacefully the evening of Tuesday, August 2, 2011. She was dressed and ready to head out for a new adventure, when her body finally gave out. Her spirit was strong to the end.

Jerry was born on January 12, 1924, in Ajo, Arizona. She was the oldest daughter of Charles and Mary Carnes Kortz, and was predeceased by her younger sister, Flora Mae.

She was raised in Cincinnati during the Depression among a large German-American extended family.

Jerry was educated in the public schools, and was chief organist of her high school orchestra. She attended Bethesda Hospital School of Nursing in her hometown and graduated at the top of her class. After practicing nursing for a year, Jerry's desire to see the rest of the country led her to become one of the first airline hostesses for TWA. When the Korean Conflict began, Jerry returned to nursing and joined the United States Air Force as a First Lieutenant.

Stationed at Scott Air Force Base in St. Louis, she met Captain Howard B. Watkins, a dentist. Howard piloted a B-24 during World War II before attending dental school on the G.I. bill. They married in 1952 and moved to Charlottesville, where Howard started his dental practice. They were together for 58 years until Howard passed away in August, 2010.

Jerry and Howard raised four children, Dr. Robert Watkins of Cary, North Carolina, Ann H. Watkins of Charlotte, North Carolina, Judith L. Watkins of Richmond, Virginia, and Scott W. Watkins of Charlottesville. They were also blessed with a daughter-in-law, Caroline F. Watkins; and four precious grandchildren, Ellie, Will, Sarah and Lillian Watkins, all of Charlottesville.

After raising her children, Jerry returned to work as a residential realtor for many years until her retirement.

Jerry was a consummate homemaker, musician, tennis player, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a devoted member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Republican Party and many other service organizations. She played the organ at church, and music was always an important part of her life. Her lasting legacy is one of self-reliance, faithfulness, wry humor and service. She was a wife and mother that made her family proud.

Jerry leaves many friends, neighbors and extended family with fond memories of a kind, loving person.

A memorial service to celebrate Jerry's life will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, August 7, 2011, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1901 Thomson Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903, or the charity of your choice.

Friends may sign the guest book at www.hillandwood.com.



This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.