Dale Susan Watkins

Dale Key West - Watkins Susan (Porteus ) Watkins Dale Susan (Porteus) Watkins was born in Brooklyn, NY, on March 22, 1946, and passed away in Key West, FL, on August 22, 2025.

Dale lost her father, Charles Porteus, a policeman who was killed in the line of duty when she was just six years old in Virginia Beach, VA. In 2012, she and her sister Pat visited the Virginia Beach boardwalk for the dedication of the memorial honoring fallen first responders. She is also preceded in death by her mother, Gwen Porteus Wilson; her stepfather, Marvin "Will" Wilson; and her husband, Harvey Watkins.

In 1956, Dale's family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, for her stepfather's Naval assignment, remaining there until 1964. She attended Hyde Park Elementary School, Lakeshore Junior High, and graduated from Robert E. Lee Senior High in 1964. Dale later attended college in St. Petersburg, Florida. Her family's next Navy posting took them to Puerto Rico and then to Key West in 1968, where her stepfather retired after 22 years of service and opened Gator Golf on Duck Avenue. At the time, Dale was living in Orlando but rejoined her family in Key West in 1969, where she has remained ever since. After 50 years as a resident, she was honored with an Honorary Conch Certificate in 2019. Over the years, Dale worked at Sears, Sea Farms, Singleton's, Key West Redevelopment of Truman Annex, as a licensed realtor with Curtis Wild Real Estate, Bender & Associates, and for the past 25 years at A/C Secured Storage until its sale last year.

Dale was blessed with not one, but two incredible love stories. The first was with her husband Jim Gates, with whom she shared countless sailing adventures throughout the Caribbean. After his passing in 1988, she found her second great love: Harvey Watkins, a multi-generational Conch, local legend, and owner of the Fryde Conch fishing boat and business, which they ran together. Dale and Harvey married at Fort Jefferson National Park in 1993, celebrating with an unforgettable three-day party.

Dale is survived by her sisters, Patricia Butler and Nancy Beck; niece Leslie Sullivan (Nate), her son Anthony Wolfe; nephew Larry Thompson (Melanie), daughter Cora Lee Falls; stepdaughter Stephanie Watkins; grandchildren Ashley, Justin (Alexis), and Taylor; stepson Jason Watkins; and niece Beth Gates. She leaves behind numerous friends, especially Beth and Brian Doyle, who accompanied her on a bucket-list trip to the Mount Gay Distillery in Barbados to honor Harvey and visit her grandfather's grave, as well as her dearest friends Maria and Phillip Pierce, who stood by her side every day.

A celebration of Dale's life will be held Saturday, September 13, at 11:00 a.m. at the Key West United Methodist "Old Stone" Church, 600 Eaton Street, Key West, Florida. Arrangements are by Aaron Castillo of Key West Mortuary. Dale will be laid to rest with her husband Harvey-and a bottle of Mount Gay Rum-in the Key West Cemetery. A reception will follow, with stories to be shared.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the charity of your choice. Her favorites were St. Jude's and Reef Relief. All arrangements are entrusted to Key West Mortuary. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book at www.keywestmortuaryc.com