Valerie Louise Watkins, 63, of Sparta, passed away quietly on Saturday, July 2, 2016 in Sparta, GA.

Valerie was born in New York Hospital, New York, NY to  William and Marie Watkins on January 4, 1953. She moved to Cooper Park Houses in Brooklyn, NY, April 21, 1953. Valerie loved and was loved by her Cooper Park Family. Many of them were her closest friends for over 60 years.

She attended school at P.S.10 then P.S. 132. Valerie was very smart and was “skipped” a grade in elementary school. Later she went to Grover Cleveland and Harlem Preparatory High Schools. She also attended Bishop College in Dallas, Texas. 

After working several jobs over the years, her most notably as personal secretary, of the current Governor of New York’s    father before he became Governor. Valerie also worked at Central State Hospital, as well as, with Doctors Boddie and Brown. She also worked at several convenience stores in Sparta and Hancock County.

Valerie was very involved in local politics fighting hard to keep a hazardous waste dump from coming to the community that she loved. She loved her family and was very family oriented. She lived for her grandchildren and wanted nothing more than to have “her boys together” at the same time.

Valerie is preceded in death by her (father) William L Watkins, Jr., (sister) Lisa A. Watkins, and (brother) Paul S. Watkins. 

Valerie leaves to cherish her precious memories, sons, Tamari (Latoya) Watkins, Sr. and Leroi A. Watkins; brother, Mark S. Watkins; mother, Marie I. Watkins; Grandchildren: Kristie L. Watkins, Tashunda M.  Watkins, Tamaria M. Watkins, Tamari J. Watkins, Jr., Tianna A. Watkins, Javyn S. Watkins, Tory J. Watkins, Braylon J. Watkins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

FUNERAL SERVICE ENTRUSTRED TO: Dawson’s  Mortuary 98 Hopgood Street Warrenton, Georgia 30828

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