FEBRUARY 10 – Norma Louise Soyars Watkins went to her heavenly home Sunday, February 8, 2009. She was the daughter of the late Reverend Henry Norman Soyars and the late Kate Tyler Soyars.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, William F. Watkins Jr.; daughter, Sally Anne Watkins Bobbitt and husband, Thomas C. Bobbitt of Richmond; and two sons, William N. Watkins and wife, Jean Penick Watkins of Richmond and Richard F. Watkins and wife, Donna V. Watkins of Paw-leys Island, S.C.; five grandchildren, Eddie Watkins and Henry Watkins of Richmond, and Andrew Watkins, Lucas Watkins, and Kate Tyler Watkins of Pawleys Island, S.C.; a brother, James Carl Soyars of Richmond; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Katherine Soyars Grizzard; brother-in-law, Monroe D. Grizzard; and sister-in-law, Ruth Brooks Soyars.

Mrs. Watkins was a lifelong Christian, having been a member of the Farmville Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and circle member. She was devoted to her family, home, and flowers. She was a graduate of Farmville State Teachers College (now Longwood University). She was also a member of the Nora Lancaster Garden Club and of the Judith Randolph-Longwood Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Farmville Presbyterian Church with interment in Westview Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Farmville Presbyterian Church or Prince Edward Rescue Squad.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, was in charge of arrangements.