Dorothy A. Watkins was born on November 25, 1920 in Brunswick County, Virginia to the late Pattie Calvin Davis and George Calvin.  On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at the age of 101, she entered into eternal rest with the Lord.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Watkins; grandson, Kendall R. Watkins; daughter, Norma W. Hill; son, Bobby R. Watkins; daughter-in-law, Emma C. Watkins; and brothers, George A. Calvin and James H. Calvin.

Dorothy was educated in Brunswick County, becoming a member of Hickory Run Baptist Church at a young age.  After her marriage to Robert, they relocated to Newport News, VA where she joined First Baptist Church East End and was a missionary during her early years there.  Church was very important to her, and she made sure her children and grandchildren went to church and knew the Lord.  She worked for a time at C&P Telephone Company and A.P. Hill in food services.  When she was not working, she would be fishing with family or some of her friends from church.  Later, she decided to run a day care in her home through the Office of Human Affairs, which she did for many years.  She loved watching and teaching the children and soon had other children pass through her doors.  Two of whom to this day are like her very own grandchildren, Keisha and Tanya Howard.   She dedicated herself to being a great provider for her children.  She was a caring and protective mother and grandmother, and loved cooking for her family.  We will always remember her cheese eggs, hot rolls, chocolate cake, potato salad and sweet potato pies.  During her lifetime, she devoted the majority of her time caring for her children, grandchildren, family, neighbors, and friends.  Always willing to help in any way she could to make someone else's burden a little lighter.   When she was not taking care of her family, you could find her spending time gardening or relaxing in her favorite chair on her porch.

She leaves to cherish her memory two children, Rodney Watkins (Lucy) and Valerie Holland both of Newport News, VA; son-in-law, George Hill of Somerdale, NJ; two grandsons, Bryan Holland (Miranda) and Lamar Hill (Iris); four granddaughters, Sherry Watkins, Tanisha Holland, Latresha Watkins, and Nicole Hill; eleven great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Whether she was Mom, Grandma, Granny, Big Mama, Mrs. D, Mama D, Mrs. Watkins, or as Kristopher, Kyanna, and Bryelle called her, Grandma Dot-Dot, she was loved by many, and she loved us all in return.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.  Viewing will be from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022 at the funeral home.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.