Sheryl Watkins

Sheryl Watkins, 68, of Fort Smith went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 27, 2018. She was born to Ruby Dell Andrews and Julius Divine Hartleroad on March 6, 1950 in Olney, Illinois. She, her six sisters and one brother, lived in the Springfield, Illinois, area. She attended Illiopolis High School, then moved to Arkansas. She married William “Bill” Watkins in April of 1967. She attended Arkansas Valley School of Nursing in 1976 where she received her LPN. She then worked at St. Edwards Hospital and Cooper Clinic. In 1988, she graduated from Westark Community College School of Nursing, receiving her RN license. She continued working at area clinics and hospitals, ending her career as a Sparks home health nurse, retiring in 2014. She faithfully attended church at Southside Baptist where she was baptized on Easter Sunday, 1970. She was also a member of First Baptist Church Fort Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, who died at birth, Beverly Hartleroad.

Sheryl was a loving mother who instilled values of faith in Christ and education in her children. She taught them to do right, make good choices and treat others with respect. Her dedication and love of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren kept her motivated even during her time of declining health. Sheryl was a faithful friend who was always there for others. Traveling to and visiting with her Illinois family brought her great joy and happiness. She enjoyed fishing, yard work and watching sports. She played basketball at her Illinois schools. Sheryl loved the nursing profession and cared deeply for her patients. She was well-known and respected in the nursing community. She was a licensed RN in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Illinois.

She is survived by her children, Eric Watkins and wife, Gayle Watkins; granddaughter, Hayden Watkins of Fort Smith; Rebecca Niemeyer and husband, Eric Niemeyer; granddaughters, Anna and Heidi Robertson of Bentonville; Sarah Watkins; granddaughter, Averi Watkins; great-grandchildren, Adilia and Sebastian Watkins of Fort Smith.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 3, 2019 from 4 to 6pm. Celebration of life will be Friday, January 4, 2019 at 11am at Edwards Funeral Home, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Lifelong family friend, Ronnie Williamson will officiate. An Illinois memorial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the HOPE Humane Society, 3800 Kelley Hwy., Fort Smith, AR 72904 or the Children’s Emergency Shelter of Fort Smith, 3015 South 14th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901.

Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com