Mrs. Mercille (Garrett) Watkins

God, in His infinite wisdom, called Mrs. Mercille Garrett Watkins home on March 13, 2020. She transitioned peacefully at her home. Mercille was born on September 4, 1947, in White Hall, South Carolina to the late Benjamin Garrett, Sr. and Eloise Mack Garrett. One brother, Ben Jr. preceded her in death. She was educated in the public schools of Colleton County and graduated from Colleton High School in 1966, she was a faithful member of Zion A.M.E. Church, in Hendersonville, South Carolina.

Mercille and Frederick G. Watkins met while he was serving in the United States Air Force in Charleston, South Carolina. On April 30, 1967, they were married and to this union are two sons, Roderick Watkins (Kayla) of East Orange, New Jersey and David Watkins, of Morristown, New Jersey. Four grandchildren, Jayden Watkins, Tanayja Watkins, Layla Watkins and Aubree
Watkins. Mercille and Frederick lived in New Jersey for approximately forty years where she worked as an Administrative Professional until returning home to Whitehall, in 2004, to enjoy retirement, and assist in caring for her elderly parents whom she was very attentive to until they passed. She became a volunteer for the Veterans Victory House, and later a full-time employee. She enjoyed assisting veterans who served our country. Mercille was known as Mert to her family and close friends. She was a private person and appreciated the simple pleasures of life. She also lived life to the fullest. She especially enjoyed going out with her husband, caring for their dog Fritzie and visiting with her sons and grandchildren. She was an excellent cook known for her tasty pound cakes. She loved to read and had a great appreciation for African American Art.

Mercille leaves three sisters to cherish her memories, Janie (Daniel) Walton, Sylvia (Steve) Eastmond, and Patricia Boynton. She additionally has four sisters-in-law, Doreatha Knight, Sarah Edwards, Mary Elizabeth McCloud, and Cathy Watkins and two brothers-in-law, Vaugh Watkins, and Leroy Watkins: along with a host of other relatives and friends. 

As service arrangements have been updated, please leave a candle of memorandum or sign the online guest book with a message of sympathy to this bereaved family.

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