Elizabeth Hartley "Liz" Watkins Obituary (1933

Elizabeth Hartley Watkins, 86, much beloved, passed away at home in Griffin, GA, Monday, November 18, 2019. Liz was born in Milledgeville, GA on January 24, 1933, the oldest daughter of Burrel Washington Hartley and Lena Brake Hartley Sharpe. She moved to Sylvania, GA with her parents and sister where she completed high school. She graduated from Georgia Teachers College (GTC), Statesboro, GA, in 1953. Her studies at GTC began a lifetime of service and contributions of excellence in the field of education. Elizabeth married Lemuel Watkins in 1953 and moved to Alma,GA, where she taught at the local school and where their first children, Emily Rose and Jeffrey Lemuel were born. In 1958, the Watkins family moved to Griffin, GA, where, soon afterwards they welcomed their third child, Richard Nathaniel. Deeply committed to family and community, Liz lived a life of service, happiest when she was doing for others. Mrs. Watkins was involved in many civic groups including the Griffin Utility Club, the Pine Tree Garden Club, and the Pulaski Chapter of the DAR. She was an active member of Griffin First United Methodist Church for 60 years. She served as Sunday School leader, Disciple Bible Study facilitator, Help-Desk, a member of the Seekers Sunday School class, and Stephen Ministry. Liz’s love of scripture-reading grew as she was described as a scholarly and spiritual leader to many church members. Her caring and loving compassion for others, as a picture of grace and wisdom, touched the lives of those who cherished her wise and warm words. As an educator, Liz was widely known as a light to her students, bringing knowledge, wisdom and compassion to share with all her students. She taught at Griffin High School as an English teacher and Hospital Homebound teacher. Upon completing her Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S), she became a Special Education coordinator until her retirement in 1992. During her 37 years, she exemplified the quality of an outstanding, dedicated educator who possessed personal integrity and a thoughtful communication style. She was nominated and inducted into the Griffin-Spalding Educator Hall of Fame in 2014. While she was known and loved in Griffin for her years of service to the community and church, Liz will be remembered most fondly for her deep love and devotion to her family. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Lemuel Augustus Watkins of Griffin; her parents, older sibling Talley Dozier of Montezuma, Ga., and grandson, Kyle Jeffrey Watkins. She is survived by her loving and devoted children, Emily Rose (Watkins) and Buddy Morris of Birmingham, AL; Jeffrey Lemuel and Ruth Watkins of Johns Creek, GA, and Richard Nathaniel and Catharine Watkins of Macon, GA; and their grandchildren, Matthew Watkins Morris, Miles Hartley Morris (Terra) , Mason Britton Morris (Marguerite), Curry Andrew Watkins, Caroline Elizabeth Watkins, Richard Nathaniel Watkins, Jr. (Courtney), Maiben Landon Watkins and great-granddaughter, Marguerite Hamilton Morris. She will be deeply missed by her sister, Emily Hartley Morse of Cerritos, California; many nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Liz; and close and cherished family friend Anne Marie Lombardo. Elizabeth Watkins lived a life filled with love, surrounded by friends and family who were blessed by her unconditional love. While she enjoyed reading and gardening, more than anything else she loved her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Amick Fund at Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive, Griffin, GA 30224. A Celebration of Life service will be Thursday, November 21 at 12:00 pm at First United Methodist Church with The Rev. Dr. D.B.Shellnut, Jr., officiating, assisted by The Rev. Dr. Mike Cavan. Family will receive friends at 11:00 in the Welcome Center at the church.