Betty Head Watkins passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on January 15, at UNC-REX Hospital in Raleigh. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Gudger Watkins, and her sister, Mildred Head Smith.

Betty was the daughter of Mavis and Edwin Head and grew up in Caroleen. She graduated from Tri-High and went on to beautician school in Spartanburg. Betty worked as a hairdresser with her cousin and then had her own shop in Caroleen until 1953.

A member of First United Methodist Church of Forest City, Betty was blessed with the fellowship of the Asbury Sunday School and her women’s circle group. She considered the church to be her second family and she so appreciated the love and support of its members over the years.

Betty’s true calling was as a mother and homemaker. She loved and cherished her family and created a beautiful and welcoming home for all of them. She leaves behind her son, William G. Watkins, Jr. and her daughter, Kathy Watkins Lewis and her son-in-law, Bill Lewis; four grandchildren-William G. Watkins, III and his wife, Amber; Jennifer Oxford and her husband, Brian; Rebekah E. Lewis; and William Lewis and his wife, Emilee. She has four great-grandchildren – Caitlin Watkins, Weston Watkins, Catherine Oxford, and Matthew Oxford.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 341 East Main Street, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.

The funeral service will be held at 3 o’clock on Friday in The Padgett and King Chapel with the Reverend J.Curtis Goforth officiating.  A service of committal will follow in the Cool Springs Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:45 prior to the service at the mortuary. 

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com