Jean Eleanor Nicholson (Kinnie) Watkins
Jean Eleanor Nicholson (Kinnie) Watkins passed away in her home September 1, 2017.
She was born in Indianapolis, Ind., the daughter of Robert Louis and Virginia Lee Cox Nicholson and sister to Lois Anne. Her father lovingly called her “Jeannie bug”.
At 84 years of age she left a legacy of kindness, compassion and servant leadership. She truly showed us the love of Christ. Mrs. Watkins lived in Humboldt, Tenn. most of her youth. There she began many lifelong friendships. At Humboldt High, she was a cheerleader and queen of the football team.
Mrs. Watkins attended the University of Tennessee to study teaching. She was recognized as the most outstanding pledge of her sorority, AOP. Jean went on to become AOP’s chapter president then chapter sweetheart her senior year. She also held the position of Secretary of her sophomore class.
She met and married Bruce H. Kinnie while attending UT. As a young married couple they moved to Germany for three years and later settled in Columbia, S.C. to raise their family.
During her working life she taught kindergarten, elementary and middle school.
Mrs. Watkins loved playing cards, swimming, gardening, reading and cooking.
She and her husband, Malcolm (Mac) Watkins, were married February 2004 and were blessed with 13 precious years together before her passing.
Surviving are her husband, Malcolm Watkins; children, Bud (Laurie) Kinnie, John Kinnie, Kat Kinnie; sister, Lois (Free Frisinger) Currie; grandchildren, Alison Kinnie, Bishop Kinnie, and Bailey Kinnie. She is also survived by Malcolm’s children, Bill (Joy) Watkins, Sally (Buddy) Wallace; grandchildren, Jay (Anna) Wallace, Stuart (Kayleigh Hovland) Wallace, Hunter Watkins, and Erin Watkins; and great-grandchildren, Sullivan Wallace and Sarah (Ouisie) Wallace.
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m., Thursday, September 7, 2017 in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family received friends from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday September 6, 2017 at Dunbar Funeral Home in Columbia S.C.
Memorials may be made to the Humboldt Library Children’s Room, which is named in honor of her mother, Virginia Nicholson.