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BORN
1925
DIED
2009
Blessie Watkins Obituary
Funeral: 3 p.m. Saturday at Arlington First United Methodist Church. Interment: 1 p.m. Monday in Resthaven Cemetery, Brady. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Arlington Funeral Home.
Memorials: For those who desire, memorials may be made to the building fund of Arlington First United Methodist Church.
Blessie was born June 26, 1925, in Wichita Falls. She married Carroll Watkins in Brady and they had lived in Brady, Midland and Arlington throughout their 50 years of marriage. She was the owner of Blessie's Poodle Parlour and Carroll Watkins Driver Education School. She was a supporter of many charitable organizations and was a member of Arlington First United Methodist Church. Blessie's strength and courage were inspirations to all who knew her, and she will be missed.
Blessie was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll Watkins, in 1994; and a son-in-law, Ron Durham, in 2006.
Survivors: Daughters, Diana Mills and husband, Jim Tom, Jan Durham and Gayle Bond and husband, Earl; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, John M. Akers; and nieces and nephews.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Blessie Watkins
Sponsored by MARSHA, KIM AND LAUREN.
Cindy Miner
January 24, 2021
Dreamt about Bledsoe last night. We were neighbors in Arlington for a few years, my first time living away from my home and family in New York. She was a beautiful person inside and out, and Carroll was always fun to talk to and very kind. It was nice to visit with her in my dream. She had a puppy, of course. Sad she is gone
March 19, 2009
Blessie was such an incredible woman. She dealt with life's issues and never allowed life to deal to her. I admired and loved her tenacious spirit. She left a legacy of love to all who knew her.
Marsha Fishbaugh
March 5, 2009
To Blessies loved one....How could anyone who met her, ever forget her. Blessie was inspiring, uplifting, gracious and will always leave me with a smile in my heart. She has now joined so many we love and we will see her again. I can hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." Be comforted in the days ahead. My love always,
Tom & Ingrid Scharnberg Scharnberg
March 4, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lucinda & Mike Frieda
March 2, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at your time of sorrow. Your Mother was a special person and I know she will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all Mike,Lucinda & Family
MARSHA BENDER
March 2, 2009
YOU ALL HAVE A VERY DIFFICULT DAY AHEAD.
IT IS ALWAYS SO HARD TO SAY YOUR "GOODBYES" ONE LAST TIME. I WILL KEEP EACH OF YOU IN PRAYER, ESPECIALLY AT 1:00 WHEN THE BURIAL AND FINAL RESTING TAKES PLACE.
DIANA, I KNOW YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SPEAK FROM YOUR HEART AND THAT GOD WILL LIFT YOU UP AS YOU LET YOUR SWEET MOTHER GO TO BE WITH OUR LORD.
SPECIAL HUGS AND LOVE,
MARSHA
Carmen Phillips-Melton
February 28, 2009
I grew up in Lohn, Texas, a student at the Lohn Schools. Mr. Watkins was our principal and Mrs. Watkins was a gracious and important member of our community family and the school family. I always looked at her in awe, as she was a striking beauty who produced, with Mr. Watkins' assistance, of course, beautiful and accomplished daughters. I was always jealous of the girls, as they had the same grace and beauty of Mrs. Watkins.
Having lost both my mother 2 years ago, and daddy more than 10 years ago, I can understand the sense of loss you must be experiencing. However, I know that you will draw from your memories and hold them close to your hearts.
God bless, comfort and strengthen you.
Judy & Steve Brin
February 28, 2009
We were surprised and saddened today to read about Blessie. Blessie was such a beautiful person inside and out who lit up the room with her smile and laughter. She had the most amazing positive attitude and zest for life. It was my good fortune to have been a part of the Carroll Watkins Driving School family. It was a joy and a privilege knowing Blessie, and we will miss her.
Joe Ray Snow
February 28, 2009
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. Like many, I had great memories of my relationship with the Watkins families during those Big Lake years. Remember Romans 5:1-5 during this time. God bless all of you. I will keep you all in my prayers.
MARSHA BENDER
February 28, 2009
A BEAUTIFUL PHOTO OF A BEAUTIFUL LADY. I HAD THE PRECIOUS HONOR OF KNOWING BLESSIE FOR OVER 30 YEARS AND KNOW THAT SHE WAS EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL INSIDE. HER DEVOTION AND LOVE FOR FAMILY HAS CARRIED ON TO EACH MEMBER OF HER FAMILY.
I SHALL ALWAYS ADMIRE BLESSIE'S DETERMINATION, PERSEVERENCE AND LOVE FOR LIFE. SHE MADE EVERY DAY COUNT.
MY THOUGHTS, PRAYERS AND LOVE REMAIN WITH EACH OF YOU AT THIS TIME OF SUCH A GREAT LOSS.
Kari Schany
February 27, 2009
I had the honor to meet Blessie over twenty years ago when I began teaching with Gayle. I can still remember my first impression of her elegance and class. I was lucky enough to meet Gayle's sisters, as well. It is obvious that Blessie passed along her poise and determination to her daughters. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Heaven just became a little more "Blessed."
With my friendship and love . . .
Terry Williams
February 27, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I remember your father and mother from the years in Big Lake. I rode the bus from Midkiff. Class of 65.
Betsy Holland
February 27, 2009
Blessie was always there for Jennie's volleyball games at SMU. Her unfailing dedication and sweet support of my daughter will always be remembered. You were a wonderful great-grandma and I am so glad Ridglea got to meet her Nanny.
We will all miss you.
Billy Tom Curry
February 27, 2009
Diane; Bobbie Boyd has kept me updated on your mother's health for some time. I thought about sending you an email several times but hesitated because I did not know if you and your mother would even remember me from those Big Lake years. Your mother was a very sweet lady and I still have fond memories of my relationship with the Watkins families during those years. God bless all of you. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.....BT
Christina Castillo
February 27, 2009
Words cannot express the sadness I feel on the passing of Blessie. She was the epitome of courage, strength, and faith. I will miss her deeply.
Sabrina Hull
February 27, 2009
Your entire sweet family are in my thoughts and prayers. Blessie (Nanny) was such a sweet woman and I know she will be missed.
Sabrina and Garrett Hull
February 27, 2009
Heaven is now even more heavenly with the presence of Blessie; a very positive and sincere person who enriched the lives of all who touched hers. Blessings to all the family who have such wonderful memories to enjoy.
Dennis & Mary Watkins, Horseshoe Bay, TX
Bruce Mahnken
February 27, 2009
Diana, Jan and Gayle I was very sad to hear about the loss of Blessie. She was a wonderful person who loved all of us Big Lake boys. She loved life, her church, family and always her pets. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Tina McPherson
February 27, 2009
Diana and Jim Tom, you and the girls are in our prayers. I hope you are doing well. I know your mom was such a wonderful Lady.
Debi McConnell (& family)
February 26, 2009
Such a lady... Dear family, what a legacy she leaves! I will always think of Blessie as one of the most gracious & beautiful women - both inside & out - that I've ever known. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this time... Draw nigh to God - I PROMISE His grace is sufficient!
Love in Christ,
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