ALBERTINE WATKINS

Albertine “Johnnie” Watkins, 95, of Big Stone Gap, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2019 at Lonesome Pine Hospital.

She was the only child of Walter and Maudella (Hammonds) Hughes. She lived her entire life in Big Stone Gap where she touched many lives and made so many people smile. In her travels she was always a goodwill ambassador for her hometown. She worked seven years at Wal-Mart, 15 years at the Plaza Drug Store and 43 years at the Mutual Drug Store where she earned her nickname, “The Pie Lady.” Johnnie and her two best friends Dorothy Fritz and Louise Shupe covered many miles together as the “Golden Girls.” She and her “bestest” friend and adopted grandson, Travis Stidham, spent many days discussing generational differences and settling world crises. Johnnie and her caretaker, Debbie Elliott, shared many wonderful days filled with laughter and fun. Johnnie attended Zion Chapel Church her entire adult life.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Belinda Collier; and her son, Gary Watkins.

She is survived by her daughter, Alethia and husband, William Belcher; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Morgan, Krista Raper and Monica Collier; and great grandchildren, Devon Morgan Hunter Stapleton, Ethan Bloomer, Connor Bunch, Cannon Bunch.

The family will receive friends 10 am to 1 pm Wednesday, Nov. 27 at Gilliam Funeral Home (618 Wood Ave., W.) in Big Stone Gap. Funeral services will follow with Rev. Jimmy Qualls and Evangelist Buddy Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Powell Valley Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers are Alex Richardson, Jamie Richardson, Connor Bunch, Cannon Bunch, Ethan Bloomer and William Derwin. Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Johnnie Watkins’ family.