Betty Anne Watkins

Birth date: Feb 23, 1928 Death date: Nov 4, 2022

Betty Anne Watkins, 94, a lifelong resident of Decatur, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Friday, November 4, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Betty was born on February 23, 1928 in London, England, a twin daughter of US c Read Obituary

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Julia Ubbenga

154w ago

While a senior at Millikin, I had the privilege of working under Betty as a student teacher in the spring of 1977. I quickly realized I was fortunate to be working with a teacher of excellence. She stood tall with her calm demeanor yet dynamic methods.

I’ve always recalled that she kidded me about wearing the black pant suit I’d chosen to wear my first day. She said it was a good choice and gave me an air of authority. Later I realized that Betty was figuring I was probably nervous to face Thomas Jefferson students for the first time so she encouraged me with her humor to provide a great start.

What a great mentor she was! I’ve always been grateful to have worked with Betty Watkins. Many of the tips she shared with me were carried throughout my teaching career.

Julia Fluss Ubbenga
Enumclaw, Washington

Sam Reese

154w ago

Betty was a surrogate mother to me and my family during the years that I was Coordinator of Music for the Decatur Public Schools from 1982 - 87. She was generous and kind to us, even going out of her way to allow my family of four (with two young children) to live in her rental house on West Main Street for a year. As a professional educator, she mentored me in my very first position as a school administrator. I would have been much slower to learn how administrative patterns worked, who to contact to get things done, who to stay clear of, etc. We shared an office for five years at the Woodrow Wilson administrative center and saw each other almost every day. She was the rock and wise, experienced elder I could count on to help me get through challenging times. We kept in touch all of the years since through Christmas cards, which she never failed to remember to send and which I very much looked forward to receiving. I was fortunate to get to spend an afternoon with her in 2019 and to renew our long friendship and fondness for each other. May God bless the soul of this thoughtful, caring, giving woman. My sincere condolences to all who loved her. Sam Reese, Urbana IL

Sue Rehage

154w ago

Bruce and Family,
May your wonderful memories give you comfort and peace.
Sincerely,
Sue Rehage

Jean Buttz

154w ago

Libby, Marti and Bruce….
I am so very sorry to know your mom‘s passing. I remember all of you so fondly watching you grow up while the members of the Thomas Jefferson English department met at your house weekly for our training so many years ago. Your mom became “Mother” to all of us in the English department. I have been blessed by her friendship for SO many years and cherish the note she sent to me just last week. She was a giant in her service to Decatur Public Schools and our community. I treasure the many years we worked together, socialized, and shared the events of our lives.

RIP “Mother”. You are loved!

Janice Akins

154w ago

Betty was a true educator. Those of us in District #61 relied on her knowledge and vision to help our students. It was always a great day when she came to our building to help with our teaching techniques. She was always stately, kind, and generous. She shared her talents with St.John's as well. We will miss her!!
Jan Akins, Johns Hill

Mark Sorensen

154w ago

Marti and family, Betty was a good friend and supported me in many of my activities. Sorry for your loss. Mark W. Sorensen, MacArthur H.S.

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