Anita Watkins

Anita Pearl Watkins, daughter of Rome and Rose (Kumpf) Edwards, was born October 22, 1928, in Macks Creek, Missouri. She departed this life Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at Windsor Estates Care Center, Camdenton, Missouri, at the age of ninety-one years, five months, and twenty-three days. On December 18, 1966, Anita was united in marriage to Victor K. Watkins, and together they shared forty years of marriage. They became the owners, builders and developers of Watkins Subdivision in Camdenton. Anita was preceded in death by her husband, Vic, on March 23, 2007; her parents; a brother, John Edwards; and two sisters, Mary Edwards and Elsie Blair. She is survived by a step-son, Gary Watkins and wife Christi, of Granberry, Texas; her sister, Norma Houston, of Camdenton, Missouri; a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Edwards, of Camdenton, Missouri; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Anita grew up on a farm in Bannister Hollow. She attended Bannister Grade School and was the Valedictorian of the Macks Creek High School Class of 1946. Following her graduation from high school, Anita worked as an assistant for Dr. Atteberry in Camdenton for several years where she did everything from answering the phone to delivering babies. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Missouri and her Master’s Degree from Drury College. Anita started her career in Education at Omar Bradley Elementary School in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and retired from there after many years as the Principal. Anita accepted Jesus as her Savior and was a member of First Baptist Church in Camdenton for many years. She was a long-time member of the Ozark Brush and Palette Club in Camdenton. Anita enjoyed painting, fishing, watching baseball games, playing cards, and reading. She enjoyed telling a good story and pulling a good prank. She spent her winters in Florida and cherished the time spent there. Anita and her husband Vic spent countless hours searching for treasure at all types of sales, flea markets and antique shops. Anita was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her long life and many accomplishments and will treasure the many wonderful memories she has created for her family and dear friends. A private graveside service will be held at Dale Blair Memorial Cemetery. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations maybe made Ozark Brush and Palette Club and mailed to Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, 15 Clint Avenue, Camdenton, Missouri 65020. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri.