Stella Fern Watkins

1919 - 2014

Stella Fern Watkins obituary, 1919-2014, Torrance, CA

BORN

1919

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Luyben Dilday - Long Beach - Long Beach

5161 Arbor Road

Long Beach, California

Stella Watkins Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 22, 2014.

We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mother, Stella "Fern" Watkins. She was born on November 17, 1919 in Abra, Texas to Chester and Sallie Martin. Growing up on a farm in North Texas gave Fern a strong, faithful, hard working background. Her family settled in Clarendon, Texas during her teen age years. It was on the farm that she became an accomplished piano player and teacher. She graduated from West Texas State University in 1940 with a BA degree in education. She taught high school and elementary level in Plemons, Texas during the war years. After the war, she moved to Amarillo with college friends. It there that she met our father, John R. Watkins who was in the Navy working as a recruiter. It's easy to see why dad fell in love with her. Our mom's demeanor and wholesome good looks won his heart. They were married in 1948 and the journey began. They lived in various locations over the next eight years before settling in Torrance, California. Fern lived in Torrance for 57 years. She had two sons, Richard in 1950 and Lynn in 1956. She became a homemaker while raising her boys. She involved herself with many activities including gardening, bowling leagues, PTA and Little League Baseball. Upon our father's death in 1976, she returned to her true calling. She taught school for the Torrance school district for the next 25 years. She enjoyed her later years with family functions and friends and travel. Fern will be missed by all. Her grace and dignity will forever be remembered. She is preceded in death by husband John R. Watkins. She is survived by her son(s) Richard (Cory Watkins of Long Beach, California and Lynn (Jakki) Watkins of Lakewood, California. Grandchildren include Elizabeth Watkins, Christiana Rubin, and Rebecca Watkins. Services will be held on Monday, January 27th at 10:30 am in the chapel at Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary in Long Beach, California. Burial will follow at Inglewood Park Cemetery. Family and Friends are encouraged to come early for refreshments and celebrate Mom's wonderful life.

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6 Entries

February 2, 2014

Aunt Fern and I wrote for the past twenty years or more, especially after my mother died. She and my Uncle Johnny lived a few blocks from where I lived on 175 Place, when I got married in 1957. She sold me her Magic Chef stove, the best stove. She had an ironing appliance, amazing, you could iron sheets on.
She was always there for her family. She attended the same church all those years in Torrance until she couldn't drive anymore. We will miss our friend and aunt.
Our sympathy goes out to yher family.
Ray and Margaret Miller and family

January 31, 2014

Diana Plyley

Posted by Diana Plyley

January 31, 2014

Donna Upson

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad loss. Fern was very special to us and we have so many fond memories. May you find peace in the wonderful woman she was and the memories you shared.
Love,
Donna Upson and girls

January 26, 2014

Jim Nielsen

Fern Watkins was very special to me. She helped me get my first mitt and took us to see Bambi at Richard's birthday party. She was like a second mom to me and the times she shared with our family were priceless. As families we vacationed together and Fern came to Las Vegas for my parents 50th anniversary. Her walks were legendary as were he indomitable spirit. Richard , Lynn, and the entire 183 street gang grew up on a street where kids were allowed to be kids and Fern helped watched over us.I thought so much of Fern that she watched my first son Jimmy. I will miss you.

Jim and Tina Nielsen

January 26, 2014

Kelli Tyler

I always knew her as my Aunt Fern. Aunt Fern would come visit my grandma Margaret, I always remember how well put together Fern always seemed to be; her hair perfectly quaffed, a stylish outfit and smelling great. I am not sure if she ever knew how much I really enjoyed all her company at all the family events over the years. Fern was always a pleasure to chat with, she always made me feel so warm and comfortable. I think it was that Texas charm, both her and my Grandma had that in common. I will forever cherish our Thanksgivings together. Every year I looked forward to enjoying a glass of red wine with her. Listening to her share stories of being a teacher in LA over the years kept us laughin'. I always imagined her being a favorite teacher(or maybe not haha) to all those students over the years. After all how could not enjoy such a sweet, down to earth woman like Fern. After my grandma's passing a while back...it seemed my appreciation for Fern grew, she was another grandma to me. Now that she is gone all I can imagine is her up in heaven with Uncle John and my grandparents having one of those great Watkin's family reunions.
Till we meet again Aunt Fern-- happy trails to you.
All my love to Richard, Lyn, Elizabeth, & Becca...big hugs to everyone!
xoxo
Kelli

January 25, 2014

Gloria Gold

Dear Cousins Richard, and Lynn,

I was so happy that your mom was able to come with you out to two of the Watkins Family Reunions that we had at our home in 2000 and 2001. It was then that we struck up some good conversations. Soon after that, she and I became "pen pals" for some years afterward. It wasn't until her eyes started giving her trouble, that she had stopped writing to me. I missed her letters.

Love,

Posted by Gloria Gold

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Luyben Dilday - Long Beach - Long Beach

5161 Arbor Road , Long Beach, CA 90808

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