Shirley Parker (Parker) Watkins

Shirley Parker Watkins was joyfully reunited with her husband of 60 years, William C “Wick” Watkins, in Heaven on September 7, 2024. She passed away peacefully at her home in Auburn, Alabama. She was born on November 28, 1934 and lovingly adopted by Erma and Tom Parker of Abbeville, Georgia. Shirley was an active member of Abbeville Baptist Church and graduated from Abbeville High School.  

After High School, she began her studies at Huntington College and graduated in 1956 with a major in History and a minor in English. In her senior year, she was honored as the May Queen of the College and, in 2009, received the Huntington College Alumni Loyalty Award.  

Shortly following graduation, she and Wick married. Together they had two daughters, Sharon Watkins Lofton (Richard “Dickey”, predeceased) and Jana Jordan Muschamp (Mike).  

She and Wick lived in various cities throughout the Southeast, where she pursued her passion for teaching and enriching the lives of others. The last fifty years of her life were spent in Auburn, AL, and Lake Martin, AL. Her time teaching high school English at Lee Academy brought her great joy and impacted many.  

After retiring, she joined the Women’s Club of Auburn and served one term as president.  She was an active Auburn United Methodist Church member and enjoyed all things Auburn! 

Her greatest joy was her relationship with Christ, her husband, and her family. With 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, she was abundantly loved by all who knew her.  

Her family would like to thank Meyata Marshall, Debbie Stanley and many others who cared for her over the years. The care she received was out of deep love for her. 

Visitation will be held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home from 12 -1 followed by the funeral at 1. The service will be officiated by Dr. George Mathison.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to Shirley Parker Watkins Endowed Scholarship. The address is Huntingdon College Montgomery, AL 1500 East Fairview Ave. Montgomery, AL  36106-2148. Funeral Home is handling arrangements.