Mrs. Riller Francina ("Francenna") Pressley Watkins was the eldest of twelve (12) children born to the late Mr. John Arthur and Mrs. Jettie Myrtle Burgess Pressley in Kingstree, S.C. on September 25, 1924. She left this life to meet her Heavenly Father on September 14, 2016 at NHC Healthcare in Sumter, S.C. due to pneumonia. As she transitioned, she had a song of joy and praise on her lips.
Francenna was united in holy matrimony to Robert Watkins, Sr. on October 17, 1948 and remained his devoted wife until his passing on March 10, 2001. Out of this union, God blessed the couple with six (6) children. Francenna loved the Lord and loved her family, both biological and "adopted." She was a devoted wife and adoring mother.
She was educated in the public schools of Kingstree and helped raise her siblings. At an early age, she joined St. Mary United Methodist Church in Kingstree. As she grew older, she continued to raise nephews, nieces, countless grandchildren and children in her community. Francenna often spent her days and nights cooking, baking, and working tirelessly as a seamstress for her family and her community.
Francenna is a member of Unionville A.M.E. Church and attended services regularly until her health failed approximately five (5) months ago. As a member of Unionville, she was recognized as Mother of the Church in August 18,2013. Francenna leaves behind a legacy of Christian values, recipes and memories that will forever be in the hearts of those who loved her. Family, friends and the community alike agree that "to know her is to love her." She will be missed greatly but will never be forgotten.
Francenna leaves to cherish her memory five (5) sons: Robert (Patricia) Watkins, Jr. of Greenville, Henry Watkins, Abraham (Edith) Watkins, John Wesley Watkins, all of Sumter, and Jimmie Lee (Carolyn) Watkins; three (3) daughters-in-law, Betty C. Watkins, Beverly A. Watkins, and Magdalene Montgomery Watkins, all of Sumter; six (6) siblings: Abraham Pressley of Sumter, Lorenna Pressley of Kingstree, Almeade P. Joyner of Washington, D.C.; Hager Lee (James) Corbett of Sumter; Darius Pressley of Sumter; and Augustine (Roger) Fowlkes of Charlotte, N.C.; one (1) brother-in-law, Isaac Pendergrass, Jr. of Kingstree; two (2) sisters-in law, Willie Ruth Pressley of Sumter and Dora Pressley of Sumter; sixteen (16) grandchildren and their spouses; ten (10) great-grandchildren; as well as a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her only daughter, Francenna Watkins; a daughter-in-law, Gwendolyn W. Watkins; a grandson, Jermain Lovell Watkins; three (3) sisters, Willie Mae Woods, Virginia Burgess and Myrtle Pendergrass; two (2) brothers, John W. Pressley and Thereyarn Pressley; three (3) brothers-in-law, Limus Woods, Laddie Joyner; and Jessie Burgess, and two (2) sisters-in-law, Colia Fulton Pressley and Daisy Glassco Pressley.
Public Viewing will be held on Sunday September 18, 2016 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.
Mrs. Watkins will be placed in the church on Mon. at 2pm for viewing until the hour of service.
Funeral Services will be held on Mon Sept. 19, 2016 at 3pm at Unionville AME Church 2036 Swimming Pen Rd, Mayesville, SC with Pastor Rev. Alvin Webb, Officiating. Interment will follow in Unionville AME Church Cemetery
Family receiving friends at 534 Kilgo Street, Sumter