Maggie Watkins

Maggie “Inez” Howard Watkins, a life-long resident of Clemmons went to her heavenly home with Jesus after 91 joyful years on this earth. She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on April 16, 2021. Inez was born August 19, 1929 to the late Clarence and Pansy Howard in Clemmons, NC.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Watkins was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Thomas Thornhill Watkins, siblings: Eloise Myers, Casper Howard, Peggy Muto, JoAnn Douthit, and Travis Howard, and life-long partner William “Bill” Snyder. She was his “Sunshine” as he used to call her.  She is survived by her sister, Brenda Howard Weiss, and sister-in-law LaVale Howard, and several nieces and nephews. Family was always important to her and while she had no children of her own, she became a mother figure to many including her two very special great-nieces, Kristi Douthit-Brandon and Jodi Douthit. She is also survived by them as well as their children, Triston, Owen, and Miley-Grace Brandon, and Skyler Schmidt, and many loyal, life-long friends. She was always known as “Nana” to all, and will be sorely missed by those who loved her.

Inez was the first in her family to graduate high school. She was a star basketball player and her yearbook described her as “cute, sweet, and can’t be beat”-a slogan she carried throughout her life. She had a successful career as a Dental Assistant and worked for several prominent dentists who adored her work ethic. After retirement, she also held a position at Wal-Mart where she was also recognized for her work dedication. She was a strong, independent woman and her talents were plentiful. She was a gifted ceramic artist, and held classes in her basement with many close friends. She quilted and crocheted for relaxation, and was a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves. Her passion for cooking was known throughout the family and neighborhood. Nothing made her happier than to “fix you something to eat”-especially on Sunday nights with her family. Her pound cake should have been famous and named a recipe of its own. Inez gardened for the majority of her life, was very proud of her home and yard that she worked in religiously each weekend. She used to joke that “the crows would carry her home one day.” She loved traveling with her companion Bill, and took Kristi and Jodi to Disneyworld and Gatlinburg almost every year. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church over the years and most recently Trinity United Methodist where she attended services regularly before her health started declining two years ago. The family sincerely wishes to thank Senior Services of Winston-Salem where Inez attended their day center recently, and Amedysis and Well Care Hospice for their support during this difficult time.

A graveside service will be held on, Wednesday, April 21 at 3 pm at Westlawn Gardens of Memory in Clemmons, NC. The family would like to invite all that are able to attend. This shall be a celebration of life for a woman who touched so many. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to:  Williams Adult Day Center, 231 Melrose Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.