Dorothy Watkins

Dorothy Helen Watkins of Clovis, NM passed away Friday, October 23, 2015. Born June 21, 1920 in Corpus Christi, TX, Dorothy moved to Clovis NM in 1926, where she lived until she graduated high school in 1940. Following graduation, Dorothy moved to San Antonio, TX, where she worked at Duncan Airfield as a civilian. Joining the Women's Army Auxiliary Core in November 1942, she attended basic training at Des Moines, Iowa and served in Wilmington, North Carolina. Returning to Clovis in 1943, Dorothy worked at Camp Reid. In 1944, Dorothy travelled with her sister Bernice to Seattle, Washington, and worked for Boeing Aircraft as an iconic Rosie the Riveter during World War II. Following the war, she returned to Clovis NM, where she met William (Bill) Watkins, whom she married in 1948. She attended classes at Eastern New Mexico University and was a long standing member of her church, the Assembly of God, where the foundation was laid for her son, who later become a pastor in the Assembly of God churches. Working for Mountain Bell Phone Company for 25 years, Dorothy retired in 1981. Following retirement, Dorothy traveled and enjoyed her immediate family as well as her extended family of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Remaining independent in her home until early October, 2015, she was cared for by niece Teresa Smith, and great nieces Raeni Daniel and Shayna Ramsey.
Dorothy is preceded in death by father and mother Augustus and Emma Canipe, brothers Lawson, Dillard and Garland Canipe, sisters Lillian Bell and Bernice Jones, husband William (Bill) Watkins, and son, Pastor Gary Watkins. She is survived by her sister Doris Woolley of Portales, NM, daughter in law Saundra Culberth Watkins, granddaughter Trina McCarty (Greg ), grandson Kyle Watkins ( Kelly ) and great grandchildren Benjamin Watkins, Ethan Watkins, Daniel McCarty, and Sarah McCarty.
A graveside service will take place at Mission Garden of Memories on October 29, 2015 at 10:00AM. Viewing will be Tuesday 27, 2015 from 9:00AM-8:00PM.
Arrangements are under the personal care of the professionals at Steed-Todd Funeral Home and Crematory, 800 E Manana Blvd, Clovis, New Mexico (575) 763-5541.

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