Velma Jane Watkins

Faithful wife and loving mom, grandmother, and great grandmother Velma Jane Watkins was born May 27, 1936 in Wattensaw, Arkansas, to Avery Jewell and Mary Jane Kennedy. She passed away peacefully from this life January 3, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Kathleen Kennedy; husband of 68 years, Jack N. Watkins; and her oldest son, Jack D. Watkins.

Jane is survived by daughter-in-law, Patty of Petersburg, West Virginia; son, James Lee and wife Dot of San Angelo; son, Gary and wife, Vicki of Odessa; grandson, Jeremy and wife, Tracey Watkins of Odessa; granddaughter, McKenzie and husband Embre Smith of Riverside, CA; great grandson, Michael Watkins of Austin; great granddaughter, Shelby Watkins of Odessa; and great granddaughter, Gemma Watkins of Andrews. Jane is also survived by Billy and Caren Watkins and Jim and Sandy Rogers of Lubbock; a niece and numerous nephews and cousins.

Jane attended Carlisle High School in Arkansas. She met husband, Jack, at an early age and married at age 17. They were blessed with three sons, first of which was Jack Don in 1955, followed by James Lee and Gary Lynn. Jane was a devoted wife and mother and was dedicated to a life of serving God along with her husband, Jack. She supported him in their Christian ministry efforts including serving on short-term mission trips to the Philippines and Mexico, along with other stateside trips. Jane was heavily involved in ministry at Temple Baptist Church and especially enjoyed their "Young At Heart," ministry. A talented pianist, Jane also taught piano lessons; she most recently served at Calvary Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas, playing the piano for their music ministry. In addition to ministry, Jane was a selfless homemaker for her family and a friend to many.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, January 9, 2022 from 2-3 PM at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. Services will be Monday, January 10, 2022 at 1 PM at Calvary Baptist Church followed by interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Michael Watkins, Embre Smith, Rob Teakell, Keith Rogers, Neil Rogers, and David Lindsey will serve as pallbearers. Buck Wilcox and James Masey are honorary pallbearers.