Fannie Lee Watkins

Fannie Lee Watkins, age 76, a resident of Columbia, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Maury Regional Medical Center. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. A visitation will also be held on Saturday from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Born on March 19, 1948, in Williamsport, Tennessee, Fannie was the daughter of the late George Watkins and the late Gladys Louise Alderson Watkins. She graduated from Carver Smith High School in 1966 and soon after embarked on a dedicated career with Lasko Metal Products in Franklin. For over five decades, from 1969 until her retirement in 2022, Fannie brought dedication and hard work to her role as an inspector.

A devoted Tennessee Titans fan, Fannie also enjoyed traveling with her family. Known especially for her chess pie, she was an excellent cook. Though loving, Fannie had a strong and guiding spirit and loved spending time with her family and especially spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Beyond her family, she was a dedicated Christian and a faithful member of Claiborne Chapel AME Church, where she found strength in her faith and community.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Jennifer (Terry) Yokley of Columbia, sister, Pearlene Watkins of Williamsport, grandchildren, Brandon (Justin) Yokley, Keiyana Yokley, Javon Yokley, great grandchildren, Jayla Carter, Braden Carter, Malia Yokley, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Thomas Watkins, George Watkins, Mary Smith, Leonard Watkins, John Watkins, Frank Watkins, Joe Willie Watkins, Elaine Watkins, and James Henry Watkins.