Mary Elizabeth Watkins

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Mother Mary Elizabeth Watkins went to be with the Lord late in the evening of August 26, 2020 at the age of 97 years young. 

Mary E. Watkins was the only child born to the late Willie and Audie Price on August 14, 1923 in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Mary was joined in holy matrimony to Sherman R. Watkins, Sr. on October 27, 1950.  To this union two children were born.

Mary professed her belief in Christ at an early age at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Hendersonville, TN.  She was a current member of First Baptist Church of Bridgeport where she served as the President of the Choir, Deaconess, and the Director of Baptist Training Union.  She was a former a member of Mt. Olivet MBC, in Hendersonville, TN where she also served as a Deaconess.  Her favorite songs were “Hold on to God’s Unchanging Hand” and “You Can’t Hurry God”.

Mary’s exceptional learning capabilities were recognized as early as elementary school.  It was here where she received an Honorable Award for her ability to memorize and recite lengthy speeches.  Mary’s dramatic accelerations allowed her to graduate from Sumner County High School in 1938 (two years before time).  “Mae”, as she was affectionately known, was a respected and loved self-employed home daycare provider.  The children she cared for enjoyed her presence so much that they would hide to keep from going home with their parents.  She was also employed as a Dietician at Tennessee State University for 15 years.

Mary relocated with her family to Plainfield, IN in 1966.  Her giving spirit expanded from Tennessee to Indiana.  She was known for being a great cook and money manager.  Mary passed this gift to her friends, neighbors, and church family, meeting and assisting with their needs.  Mary was the queen of making a dollar out of fifteen cents.  It was no surprise to her family that she would later become a member of the Plainfield Home Ec. Club.

As Mary’s health began to fail, she lived with her son for 2½ years, and continued to attend First Baptist Bridgeport.  Being her only son, he was very attentive to her care.  As her health continued to decline, she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law.  While there she attended Puritan M.B.C. with them and always enjoyed the services.  She was able to stay at home with the assistance of her caregivers Kathy and De’Lisa Huff and Rebecca Black.

Mary departed this life on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at the age of 97.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman, Sr., both parents, Willie and Audie.  Her aunt and uncle, Georgia and Johnnie Latimer (who raised her with their children), David, Thomas, Charlie, Amanda Rachel, Anna German, Louella and Laura Jessie.

She leaves to cherish warm memories, son Sherman Jr., daughter Irma (Stephen, Sr.), grandson Stephen, Jr. (Angela), three great-grandchildren, Norriah, Jocelyn, and Olivia.  Three sisters‑in‑law, Pearline (Otis) Manning, Mary Lou (Rev. Tommy) Magee, Dorothy (Rev. Jerry) Brown, one goddaughter, Pamela (Kevin) Seats, one godson, Billy Hayes, Jr., a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Services will be Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 12:00 noon with calling from 10:00 am until time of services at The Sanctuary Church, 3400 N. Post Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46226.  She will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Bluitt and Son Funeral Home.   www.bluittandson.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made for Mary E. Watkins to First Baptist Church of Bridgeport Building Fund at www.fbcbindy.com