Elba Jo Watkins

DURHAM Elba Josephine Appel Watkins, loving mother, adoring grand- and great grandmother, devoted sister and friend to many, passed away on August 10th in Durham, NC.
“Elba Jo” was born to Minnie and Joseph Appel on June 4, 1927 in Booneville, Indiana and graduated from Bethesda High School in Durham. She married Lester Albert Watkins, at the age of 22 and spent her career in administration and accounting. Mrs. Watkins was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church where she was a member of the choir and an active volunteer for most of her adult life. She was a passionate and creative writer, crafter, storyteller, gardener, cook and entrepreneur. Mrs. Watkins is preceded in death by her husband, Lester; son Randy; brothers, Kenneth, Edward and Marvin Appel; sisters, Norma McFarland, Ann Eller, Martha Sue Appel and Irma George.
She is survived by sons Ricky and wife Pamela of Durham, Barry and wife Verna of Pleasant Garden, daughter-in-law Patrice of Fuquay-Varina and sister, Kay Nichols. She is also survived by grandchildren Geoffrey and wife Jen Makim, Christopher, Emily, Bethany Bullers and husband Donnie, Jillian, Greyson and great grandchildren Audrey Makim-Watkins, Jack and Layne Bullers, Avalyn and Gabriella Gonzalez along with her dedicated nephew Jan George and wife Kathy.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 16th from 1 to 2 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home followed by a Chapel Memorial service at 2 p.m. Rev. Bryan Chestnutt will officiate. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Memorial flowers will be gratefully accepted by the family. Donations may be made in Mrs. Watkins’ name to Duke HomeCare and Hospice, 4321 Medical Park Drive, Suite 101, Durham NC 27704 for the Hock Family Pavilion.
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
Psalm 91:11