Ocie Marie Watkins

Ocie Marie Watkins passed peacefully into the arms of her loving Savior in the early morning hours of October 9, 2024, with family by her side.

Ocie was born to Henry “Mack” and Elsie Taylor in April of 1921, the cusp of the Great Depression. She was the fifth of twelve children from an impoverished family in Mercer County, West Virginia, but their home never ran short on love. Ocie often spoke of her upbringing and how it shaped her life and made her unapologetically independent.

She loved many things, including cooking, gardening, reading, and writing poetry, but the love she had for her family, friends, and God outweighed them all. She would gladly go without to help someone in need, unselfishly giving with no expectations. Until she was no longer able to attend, Ocie was an active member in the Church of Christ, helping to establish several churches and Christian Acres Church Camp. She fostered dozens of children in need and was a vital part of raising her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was immensely proud of her oldest son, Frank, who was her favorite minister, her baby boy, Roger, who could fix anything and was always at her beck and call, and daughter, Amanda, with whom she shared so much and lived with for her final years of life.

Ocie was preceded in death by:

Frank Watkins Sr., her husband of 53 years

Children – Frank Watkins Jr. (surviving spouse – Rita), Roger Watkins (surviving spouse – Brenda)

Sisters – Gladys, Mary, Sadie, Effie, Beatrice

Brothers – Matthew, Clarence, Leonard, James “Erie” 

The joyous reunion happening in Heaven should ease our pain, knowing they are all together again. “We’ll see all our friends in Hallelujah Square. What a wonderful time we’ll all have up there. We’ll sing and praise Jesus, his glory to share, and we’ll all live forever in Hallelujah Square.”

Left to carry on her memory is her daughter Amanda Butler (Greg), Shirley Beckner (sister), Woodrow Taylor (brother), grandchildren – Kimberlie Butler, Jill Dean (Alan), Patrick Watkins (Robin), Gary Watkins (Tina), Aaron Watkins, Johnny Watkins, Brenda and Rita (daughters-in-law), cherished friends (Rondie and David, Patricia, Kim O., Kim W., Tammy), 10 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces/nephews and friends.

Ocie always said if you couldn’t bring her flowers while she was alive, not to send them when she died. In lieu, she requested donations be sent in her memory to Autumn Way Assisted Living (408 Nicholas St., Rupert, WV) where she spent her final days with caring staff who were with her until the end.

In keeping with her wishes, a graveside ceremony will be held at Roselawn Cemetary (Garden of Gethsemane) on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 12:00pm for close friends and family. Please click the link below for directions.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/YuY3BYeuCARBYuSF8