Mary was born March 26, 1932, to William David and Betty Hamilton Collins. She attended Indian Springs Assembly of God Church. She was a very independent, feisty lady who enjoyed quilting, playing cards, putting puzzles together, reading, and gardening. Mary was a seamstress and worked at both Angelica Pants Factory and TRW.
Mary is survived by her daughter Bonnie Reed and husband Billy of Noxapater; and sons Eddie Watkins and Richard Watkins both of Noxapater; Lamar Watkins of Philadelphia, Mississippi; and son-in-law Freddy Thrasher of Collinsville, Mississippi. One of her greatest joys was being “Granny” to her nine grandchildren: Vicky (Neil) Waggoner; Valerie Thompson; Charlene (Travis) Ryals; Artie Potter; Alison (John Paul) McGahey; Betsy Reed; Kayla (Wayne) Chamblee; Ramona Watkins; and Edgar Watkins. She also leaves behind 12 great-grandchildren: Stella Cauthen; Logan, Mary Beth, Lex, and Whitney Waggoner; Isabella, Drake, and Charlie Ryals; Tyler bounds; Kaden Donald; Taylor McGahey; and Josie Holley as well as a great-great-granddaughter Serenity Hendon. She is also survived by her sisters Irene Rogers of Louisville and Eloise Divine of Philadelphia; and her brother Michael Collins of Philadelphia. She was preceded in death by her husband Edgar Watkins; daughter Marjorie Thrasher; grandchildren Jordan Watkins, Rachel Watkins, and Allissa Watkins; her parents; and six siblings: Bernice Pace, Nancy Chancellor, Aquila Mayo, Frank Collins, William Collins, and Earl Collins.
Serving as pallbearers are Tyler Bounds, John Paul McGahey, Artie Potter, Travis Ryals, Neil Waggoner, and Edgar Watkins. Memorials in honor of Mary may be given to Plattsburg Cemetery, c/o Kim Smith, 2398 Hwy 395, Noxapater, MS 39346.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
