Bobbie Jean “Barbara” Watkins

In loving memory of Bobbie “Barbara” Jean Watkins, a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to faith, dedication, and a deep love for family and community.

Barbara was a devout member of Weeping Mary Baptist Church in Rock Hill, SC. She also shared her faith at New Hope Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. At Gethsemane Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, she served as a Deaconess, reflecting her unwavering commitment to her spiritual community. Her journey of faith continued at Progressive Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC.

Barbara received her education at York Road High School, known as the School of the Wapiti. She graced her high school years as a debutante lady, showcasing grace and poise.

Throughout her life, Barbara pursued various career paths, beginning with 7-8 years of dedicated service at Texilit & Suzan Curtains. Her devotion to family led her to the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system, where she worked as a Cafeteria Assistant, eventually retiring from the school system.

Her sewing skills, cultivated since high school, allowed her to become a homemaker with the establishment in BJ Lingerie. She was renowned for her exquisite socks and hair bows, leaving an indelible mark on those who experienced her creativity.

As an entrepreneur, Barbara also embraced the world of consignment, creating and selling used clothes throughout the Charlotte area, showcasing her resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit.

Barbara has reunited with her loving husband, Larry Watkins Sr., and her son, Derrick Watkins. She was the daughter of late Dorothy Williams Hargrove and Elton Chisholm Sr. (birth parents), and she found her place in the caring hearts of her late parents Lucinda and George Goodman. She was proceeded in death by her sisters Cynthia Redfern, Dorothy Williams Hope, Martha Ann Chisholm-Dixon, and her brothers James Willie Hargrove, Willie Lee Chisholm, and James Albert Chisholm.

Her legacy lives on through her surviving children: Larry Watkins Jr. (Donna), Shealton Watkins (Kirisa), Carlton Watkins (Shammica), Sharon Watkins-Jones (Antoine), Christopher Watkins, Chronicles Watkins, and April Watkins.

Barbara also leaves behind a loving family, including sisters Patricia White and Terry Harris (George), Peggy Horn (Preston), Millie Mae Clark, Lizzie Chisholm Shaw, Bernice Chisholm, and Anita Chisholm, as well as brothers Ira James Goodman (Katherine), Deacon LT Chisholm (Rosa), and Tommy Lee Riley, also known as Adele Hasan. She is survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Time may have moved, but the impact and love Barbara shared with her family and community will continue to be celebrated and cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed, and her memory will live on in the legacy she leaves behind.