Shirley Watkins (5-10-10) services 5-14-10

Mrs. Shirley Mae Watkins, 72, of Florence, Ala., passed away Monday, May 10, at her home following a lengthy illness.

The funeral will be Friday, May 14, at 1 p.m. at the Elkins Funeral Home Chapel. Ellis Coats will officiate. Burial will follow in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday, May 13, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mrs. Watkins was a member of the Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ and was owner of Watkins Saddle and Leather Company for many years. She enjoyed making home decorations.

Mrs. Watkins is survived by her husband of 57 years, William C. "Bones" Watkins; son, Wayne Watkins and wife Pam, Muscle Shoals; grandchildren, Dustin Watkins, Ridge Watkins, Brooke Watkins, Wesley Watkins and Jonathan Watkins; sister Dorothy Qualls and husband G.C., Savannah; brother, Jerry Thorne and wife Claudia, Kenosha, Wis.; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Larry Watkins; sister, Helen Province; brother, Junior Thorne; and parents, Cleaborn I. Thorne and Lovie Mae French Thorne.

Pallbearers will be Dustin Watkins, Ridge Watkins, Jonathan Watkins, Allen Chenault, Morris Willett, Earnest Sweeny, Fred Bevis, Jim Threet and Curtis Watkins. Bob McAnally and Florence Firefighters will be honorary pallbearers.

The family would like to thank Dr. Martin, Dr. Morris, Dr. Marchman, Dr. Webb, and the nurses of Hospice of the Shoals and Wiregrass Hospice, fifth floor nurses at ECM Hospital, and Florence Fire Department Paramedics.

Elkins Funeral Home is assisting the family. You are invited to sign the on-line guest register at www.elkinsfh.com.