On Friday, May 14, 2021 at the age of 72, God whispered softly to Willie that it was time for her to come home and rest after a lengthy illness.

Willie was born on August 25, 1948 in Newport News, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Essie J. Watkins and James W. White; brothers, Harry D. Watkins lll, Stephen G. Watkins and James L. Watkins. Willie grew up in downtown Newport News and graduated with honors from Huntington High School in 1966.

She was accepted to Riverside School of Nursing, one of a few Africa Americans to do so at that time. She earned her LPN in 1972 and her RN in 1997.  During her 30-year nursing career, Willie worked at Riverside Hospital (5West, Dialysis, Hospice), Riverside Family Practice, Health Administrator of Newport News City Jail and in addition she worked Home Health Care for many years.

Willie was a lifetime member of Second Baptist Church East End from a very early age. Throughout her membership and her desire to serve, she was a member of the Missionary Society, Nursing Core, and Usher Board of SBCEE until her illness would not let her attend church. Willie received a life membership from Baptist General Ministry of Virginia, April 2012.

Willie was involved in many organizations. She was president of Magruder 2 Townhouse Association for over 20 years, Commissioner – District 3 Hampton Neighborhood Commission, American Heart Association and volunteered at Voter Registration Booths.

Willie enjoyed cooking, traveling, music and dancing. She obtained the title of "Pony Willie" at the Boys and Girls Club of Newport News. In all the activities that she was involved in her favorite was enjoying her life as a grandmother to Jalen and Nemo.

Willie will be sadly missed by her daughter, Tracey D. Carpenter (Luke) of The Villages, Florida; grandson, Jalen A. Carr of Newport News, Virginia; sisters, Marilyn H. Watkins of Newport News, Virginia and Margaret B. Watkins of Charleston, West Virginia; cousins, Jean Webster and Deborah McDonald of Newport News, Virginia; and her "partner in crime" Dorothy Carpenter of Wilson, North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 29, 2021 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, May 28, 2021 at the funeral home.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.