Novella Watkins

Kernersville – Mrs. Novella Mary Searcy Watkins, passed away Friday, April 22, 2022, peacefully at her home. She was born July 25, 1932, in Guilford County to the late Julian Edison and Mary Lawson Searcy.

Novella was the oldest of six children. She was a member of Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, where she was active as a missionary, a member of the Senior Choir and Noonday Bible Study. Novella also loved to sew and was a very talented artist, with pencil sketchings and watercolor among her favorites - but most of all, she loved spending as much time as possible with her grandson, Dax.  Novella was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Spencer Watkins, Sr.  Surviving are her two sons, Leo Watkins, Jr. and Darrell Watkins (Debra), and her “best friend”, grandson, Dax Watkins.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church in the Family Life Center with Dr. James Webster officiating. Burial will follow at Lowes Memorial Holiness Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 12:45 pm prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Rd. Oak Ridge, NC 27310. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.