ANNA ELIZABETH BRAZIEL WATKINS, born October 13, 1919, Wilcox County, Georgia, died July 28, 2010, Tucker, Georgia. Anna, one of six daughters (and two sons) of James Harrison and Estelle Teagle Braziel, is survived by her three children, Kirk, Kay, and Jan Watkins, six grandchildren, Audrey Zimmer, Ryan Watkins-Hughes, Melanie Watkins, Craig DeShazo, Zanna Watkins-Hughes, and Laura Watkins, and two great-grandchildren, Alice and Aaron Zimmer. The funeral service will be conducted by the Rev. Jill Oglesby Evans at Emory Presbyterian Church, 1886 Westminster Way, Atlanta, Georgia 30307, at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 31, 2010. Visitation is welcomed by the family at A.S. Turner & Sons, 2773 North Decatur Road, Decatur, Georgia 30033, from 5:00 to 8:00 Friday evening, July 30. A graveside burial will immediately follow the funeral service in the Decatur Cemetery. Anna is remembered for her dedication to family, church, and God. She was secure in her steadfast faith and quietly served Emory Presbyterian Church with the Women of the Church for years (being honored as a Life-Time Member). She grew up in Pitts, Georgia, where she attended Pitts High School before going on to Georgia College and State University and then obtaining her degree from the University of Georgia. She returned to Pitts to teach and married Floyd C. Watkins another teacher and later professor at Emory University. Anna read daily devotionals, prayed fervently for those in need of prayers, and enjoyed many dear and close friends in the neighborhood, church community, and Emory community. She was quick of mind but often disguised a quick wit with a quiet nature. She loved bridge and grandchildren and doing what she could to help others. Before moving in with her daughter Jan, Anna lived in Northlake Gardens for several years becoming the unofficial social manager and supreme assistant – always lending a hand in organizing activities and uplifting the less firm residents. When she broke an ankle and could no longer actively help, her health worsened until she moved in with Jan for her final years – enjoying the love of Jan, Shorna Hyde, and the three dogs, CJ, Pumpkin, and Oreo as well as frequent visits from other family. Although she suffered from dementia and short-term memory loss, she was kind to everyone and never complained. The family has requested that donations in lieu of flowers be made to Holy Trinity Parish Pre-School, 515 East Ponce de Leon, Decatur, Georgia 30030, Pitts United Methodist Church, Cleaveland Avenue, Pitts, Georgia 31072, or Emory Presbyterian Church, 1886 Westminster Way, Atlanta, Georgia 30307.
