Martha Jeanette Watkins

Martha Jeanette "Jane" Darden Watkins, 83, went to heaven on Sept. 1st, 2017 at The Crossing at Riverside Health & Rehab in Searcy. Jane was born Aug. 23, 1934 in Searcy, Ark., to John Wilburn Darden and Blanche Irene Harrell Darden. She grew up in Searcy and graduated High School in 1952. She was married the next year to Robert L. "Bob" Watkins and after living in Arkansas, Ohio, California, Mississippi and Alabama, they retired to Pangburn, Ark., in 1990. Jane was a member of the Good Samaritan Sunday School Class at Trinity Baptist Church in Searcy and was active with the Trinity Troopers for many years. After Bob's death in 2009, Jane moved to Searcy and in 2015 into The Crossing at Riverside. In addition to her husband, Jane was preceded in death by her middle son, Warren J. Watkins, her youngest son, William Matt Watkins, a sister Mary Darden Cook and one brother, Wilburn Darden. Jane is survived by her eldest son, Robert L. "Robin" Watkins, II (Debbie) of Searcy, nine grandchildren, Robert M. Watkins (Tracy) of Woodstock, Ga., Timothy P. Watkins of Searcy, Dexter A. Watkins (Rachel) of Nashville, Tenn., Bethany D. Watkins Pardue of Sherwood, Ark., Rachel N. Watkins Allison (David) of Austin, Ark., Rebekkah J. Watkins of Calico Rock, Ark., Derek A. Watkins (Elizabeth) of New York, N.Y., William Spencer Watkins & Justin L. "Luke" Watkins of Hattiesburg, Miss., five great-grandchildren Eric R. Watkins, Braden L. & Bailey N. Pardue, Emma Grace "Gracie" Watkins and Aubrey L. Allison. Also surviving is one brother, Warren H. Darden of Heber Springs, Ark., two very caring, kind and especially helpful family members, sister-in-law Nell Darden of Searcy and niece Tracey E. Cook Western of Searcy and a host of nephews and nieces. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday Sept. 4 at Powell Funeral Home - Searcy and funeral to be held at 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church on Tuesday Sept. 5. There will be a private, family graveside service at Henderson Cemetery in Pangburn following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Alzheimer Foundation of America or to The Gideons International. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.