Juanita Watkins

Juanita Francis Watkins received her heavenly welcome, Wednesday, March 3, 2010. Juanita was born July 2, 1916 to John Alan and Edna Huff Swearingen in Tecumseh, OK. She was raised on a farm near Jones, OK. Juanita attended Red Top School, a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from college in Edmond, OK. She began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse, Prairie Dale, before moving to the Wakita area to teach grades 1-3 at Gore Public School. She retired after 40 years of teaching in Medford, OK. She was a devoted teacher and dearly loved her students.

Juanita married Neil Biby on December 23, 1939, and had two loving daughters, Connie and Sandra. After Neil’s unexpected passing at an early age, she married Perry Watkins on August 3, 1956. Perry was a very loving and devoted husband and father for forty-one years.

Juanita lived her life centered on her devotion to the Lord and was a strong example of His unconditional love and kindness. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Her sweet and loving spirit will live on in all of our lives through the compassion and love she has shown and instilled in her family.

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Neil Biby, second husband, Perry Watkins, sister, Joyce Moore, and brother Noel Swearingen. She leaves behind a daughter, Connie Arens of The Colony, TX; daughter Sandra and husband Danny Sims of Enid, OK; grandchildren, Michael Arens, Lisa Gibson, Krista Judy and Yvette Kennedy; six great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren, as well as many relatives and friends. A special thanks to the staff at The Commons Methodist Home for their love, service, and devotion over the last few years.

Services will be held Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home Chapel at 1:00 pm. Rev Wade Burleson will officiate. Her great nephew, Steve Murray will preside over the graveside service at the Hawley Cemetery, Nash, OK. Condolences may be emailed to the family at ladusauevans@suddenlinkmail.com.