Barbara Jean "Barb" Watkins

Barbara J. Watkins of Battle Creek, MI

Barbara, age 87, died Thursday evening, January 3, 2019, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI.

Barbara, the daughter of Fred W. and Blanche A. (Thurston) Lusk, was born in Athens, MI, on September 9, 1931, moved to the Battle Creek area in 1940 and graduated from Battle Creek Lakeview High School in 1948. She had worked for Dr. Warren M. Dodge before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She volunteered as a noon-hour supervisor at Riverside Elementary School, assisted with the Master Singers, Lakeview elementary schools' vocal group, and served with the PTA of Lakeview Schools. She also volunteered at the Calhoun County Crisis Pregnancy Center. Barbara enjoyed flowers, birthday parties and holiday family get-togethers. All her life, she enjoyed gardening, canning and baking. Barbara was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. She was a life-long Sunday school teacher.

Barbara was united in marriage to Donald James Watkins in Battle Creek on February 4, 1950, who preceded her in death on November 29, 2010. Surviving are her two sons, Thomas D. Watkins of Battle Creek and James N. (Lois) Watkins of Indiana; a granddaughter, Faith Spaulding; a grandson, Paul (Amy) Watkins; and five great grandchildren, Hannah and Kaylah Spaulding, Micah, Nathan and Keren Watkins.

Barbara's family will greet friends on Monday, January 7th, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Battle Creek. The funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, January 8th at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Ryan Wolford, pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene, officiating. Interment will follow at Beckley Cemetery, Battle Creek. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barbara's honor may be directed to the First Church of the Nazarene, 12866 Beadle Lake Road, Battle Creek, MI 49017.