DeDe Watkins

Ms. Deborah Alexis Watkins (DeDe), transitioned to be with Our Lord and Savior on February 20, 2024, while living in Winston Salem. Born February 21,1957, in Stanly County, North Carolina, DeDe was the daughter of the late Henry Ellis Sr. and Aileen Watkins. DeDe was a woman that lived her life on the edge. She loved adventure and she never met a stranger. DeDe gave generously to others, she loved with all her heart, and she was loved by many. DeDe was an advocate for her local community and she volunteered regularly to help others. If you ever had the opportunity to be in her presence, she left her mark.
DeDe was educated in Stanly County public schools and lived her life as a free spirit until her passing. DeDe faced many challenges in her life but always came out on the other side with a smile ready for the next adventure. DeDe had a strong faith and always credited her victories to her belief in God. DeDe was a former member of First Baptist Church on Wadelltown in Norwood. She later returned to her childhood church, Bennettsville in her later years.
DeDe was preceded in death by her unborn son, Reco Watkins, father: Henry Ellis Watkins Sr., mother: Aileen Watkins, brother Henry Ellis Watkins Jr., and a special niece Daphne Turner. Those who will forever love and cherish Dede's memory are her sisters Patricia (Levester) Smarr of Gastonia NC, and Pamela Watkins of Norwood, NC; nieces and nephew: Porshia (Kenny) Fentress of Lithia Springs GA, Erica (Bobby Jr.) Dunlap of Albemarle NC, and Jeremy Watkins of Charlotte NC. Great nephews: Christopher Turner of Virginia Beach VA and Kendall Lawrence of Lithia Springs GA. Great nieces Zoe' Dunlap, Carmen Watkins, and Zya Dunlap of Albemarle NC: a special caregiver, Ms. Mae Ella Floyd, and a host of other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Bennetsville AME Zion Church.
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