Mary Belle Watkins

Mrs. Mary Belle Watkins, age 93 of Jonesboro, died at 12:15 a.m. Monday, December 24, 2012 in the Union County Long Term Care Facility in Anna. She was born September 10, 1919 in Dongola, the daughter of Earl and Elsie Hinkle Beggs. She married James O. Watkins on March 26, 1938 in Jackson, Missouri; they were blessed with 70 years of marriage and were honored by their three children with a 70th wedding anniversary celebration in March of 2008. James preceded Mary Belle in death on September 17, 2008. Mary Belle is survived by her children, Carmella (John) Kiefer of Belle Rive, Jimmy (Nancy) Watkins of Jonesboro, and Carolyn (Alan) Brimm of Anna; six grandchildren, Anna (Russell) Jukes and Robert (Monika) Kiefer all of Belle Rive, Christina (Mark) Epperson of McLeansboro, Brad (Jamie) Watkins and Bryan Watkins all of Jonesboro and Dr. Jamie Brimm of Tampa, Florida; thirteen great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James O. Watkins; one sister, Dorothy Smoot; infant bother, Lester Earl Beggs; and one grandchild, Jeffrey Alan Watkins. Mary Belle was a devoted wife and mother and was a homemaker until her children were out of school. She worked at the Florshiem Shoe factory for fourteen years. She was a great cook; her two special requests at all holiday meals were her red velvet and blackberry cakes. She enjoyed sewing and made quilts for all of her children and grandchildren and crocheted afghans for family and friends. Mary belle was a member of the Church of Christ in Anna. Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Belle Watkins will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Rev. Paul Sadler officiating. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Friends may call after 11:00 a.m. and until the service hour at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Memorials may be made to the Union County Long Term Care Activity Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Visitation Service Thursday, December 27, 2012,11:00AM-1:00PM Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Homes 800 Public Square Jonesboro, IL 62952 Memorial/Funeral Service Thursday, December 27, 2012,1:00PM Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Homes 800 Public Square Jonesboro, IL 62952 Cemetery Service Thursday, December 27, 2012,1:45PM Jonesboro City Cemetery Karraker Street Jonesboro, Illinois 62952