Clara Nell Dawson Kennedy Watkins

Mrs. Clara Nell Dawson Kennedy Watkins, age 78 of DeFuniak Springs passed away January 1, 2010 at the family residence. She was born May 1, 1931 in Louisville, Alabama, the daughter of Henry Dewey Dawson and Alma Ercell McDonald Dawson. Clara and her husband moved to DeFuniak Springs in 1953 when he became employed with the Walton County School System. Most will remember Clara in her employment with the WCBE in various positions from WHS office to personnel clerk at the administration office. After her husband’s death in 1986 she continued to make her home in DeFuniak Springs. She then met Morris Watkins and they were married. They were both avid fans of the WHS Braves, attending many of the games. She was an avid reader, loved camping (if all of the amenities were available) and loved stitching with her Stitching Friends Group. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, a former Sunday School teacher and active with WMU. Clara was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and wife. She is predeceased by her parents and her first husband, Clyde Kennedy.

Among survivors are her husband, Morris Watkins, her daughters, Marcia McDonald and husband Roger, Tanya McNeil and husband Scot, Susan Beasley and husband Bobby. Her step sons, Morris Wade Watkins and wife Katherine and Steven Andrew Watkins. Her step daughter, Stephanie Lyn Watkins. Her brother Robert Durrell Dawson and wife Willie A. and ten grandchildren also survive.

A time of visitation will be Sunday, January 3, 2010 from 2:30 until 5 in the evening in First Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs. Funeral services will be Monday, January 4, 2010 at 11:00A.M. in First Baptist Church with a Eulogy by Reverend Ken Dawson and the message being brought by Mark Jones. Burial will follow in the Kennedy/Watkin’s Plot in Magnolia Cemetery.