Overseer Betty Lou Watkins

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.

A time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

                                                                                             -Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

The earthly life of Overseer Betty Lou Watkins came to a close, Thursday, August 12, 2021, while a patient at Atrium Health-Stanly, Albemarle, North Carolina. We, her family and friends, truly thank God for allowing her to be a part of and a blessing in our lives.

Born to the late Walter Cecil Smith and Vera Poole Smith, March 25,1939.

She was educated in the Stanly County Public Schools.

Overseer Watkins was the founder and pastor of True Vine Holiness Worship and Praise Church, Norwood, North Carolina for thirty-two years. She was a former member of the Corner Church of the Lord Jesus Christ,Apostolic, Albemarle where she served as junior choir director, Missionary, and pastor’s aide member.

She was an active community servant who led outreach ministries and directed the junior community choirs in her early years in the ministry.

Overseer Watkins was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Ervin Watkins Sr., of sixty years; her parents, Walter and Vera Smith; sisters: Mary Francis Phifer and Doretha Rushing; brothers: Edward Smith Sr., Victor Smith, Joe Smith and Herman Walker.

Left to cherish her memory are, her daughters: Elaine Butler (Demetrious) and Lorraine Watkins; sons: Ervin Watkins Sr., Charles E. Watkins (Gwendolyn), David Watkins (Melva) and Gregory Watkins; thirty-two grand and great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; sister-in-law, Eleanor Carpenter; a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.

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