Louise Watkins

Mary (Louise) Clemmer Watkins, age 87, departed from this life February 19, 2022, at Shannon Gray Rehabilitation and Recovery Center. She was born in Lexington to Mary and Garey Clemmer.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 27, at Forest Hill Memorial Park in the mausoleum.

Louise began her Civil Service career working for the Selective Service System in Lexington and later transitioned to the VA hospital in Salisbury, NC, when the draft was abolished. Upon retirement, she enjoyed helping families by sitting with their loved ones who had aged and needed a companion.

Louise had a passion for the Lord and for music, and she and her friends Audrey Koontz and Sandra Clark visited local nursing homes, singing, and playing hymns.

Louise worshiped and served in ministries at New Testament Baptist Church.

She had a beautiful marriage of three and a half years to James Benson who was a resident of Shannon Gray. They were loved and blessed by everyone on staff at the facility.

Louise is survived by her two sons, Larry (Denise) and Tim (Bobbi) along with five grandchildren, Steven, Jarod, Nathan, Philip, and Anna, as well as 12 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, a sister, Nancy Leonard, sister-in-law, Winnie Clemmer and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Watkins, parents, Mary and Garey Clemmer, and brother Jack Clemmer.

The family would like to thank the members of New Testament Baptist Church for their many friendships with Louise. And also thank Meadowview Presbyterian Church, of which she was a charter member, for their car care ministry.

Memorials may be made to Linwood Baptist Community Church, formerly New Testament Baptist Church, Lexington, NC.