Virginia Lee Watkins

Virginia Lee Watkins, age 98 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Thursday, November 12, 2020, at Heisinger Bluffs. Virginia was born July 16, 1922 in Turley, Okla., the daughter of Jesse and Nellie (Thornburg) Cole. She was married on September 7, 1940 in Tulsa, Okla. to John Watkins, who preceded her in death on January 29, 2009. Virginia was a 1939 graduate of Central High School in Tulsa, Okla. She and John lived in Tulsa for many years as they raised their daughter. Virginia was a homemaker and cherished the role as a wife and mother. For many holiday seasons while they lived in Tulsa, Virginia worked at Wolferman's Store to help people find the perfect present for their loved ones. She met many different people during that time and enjoyed those relationships. Virginia possessed a strong faith and was a member of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. She belonged to the Christian Women's Fellowship for many years. She maintained her involvement with the church as she and John moved throughout his career from Tulsa to Springfield, Mo., Houston, Texas, and later retired to Jefferson City, Mo. in 1985 to be closer to their daughter and her family. Virginia's life revolved around her family, supporting her husband and daughter. She enjoyed taking long drives with John and their trips to Bermuda. Later in her life, she lived for her two grandchildren and wanted to be a part of their daily lives. She would be found at all their activities and loved to have them stay at her house to spoil them. She enjoyed tending to her flower garden and was an avid reader. More than anything, Virginia will be remembered for the love she shared with her family, especially with her husband of 69 years. Their unwavering love and support has been the gold standard for the rest of her family, who will always love and miss them both dearly. Survivors include: one daughter, Connie Hubble and her husband Darryl of Jefferson City, Mo.; one grandson, Matthew Hubble and his wife Ann of Des Moines, Iowa; one granddaughter, Stacy Welling and her husband George of Jefferson City, Mo.; and four great-grandchildren, Kelsey Hubble, Luke Hubble, Shelby Welling and Cooper Welling. Due to the pandemic, a private graveside service will be held Sunday, November 15, 2020 at the Diane Peck Outdoor Sanctuary at Riverview Cemetery. Entombment will be held in the Mausoleum of Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the National Scoliosis Foundation, 5 Cabot Place # 5, Stoughton, MA 02072; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by donating through the following link, https://fightcf.cff.org/site/TR/GreatStrides/62_ Iowa_Des_Moines?team_id=92805&pg=team&fr_id=7945; or the Special Olympics, 305 Special Olympics Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home or leave condolences online to be given to her family. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. www.freemanmortuary.com