Betty Lou Watkins, 77, of Columbia, died on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Born in Ft. Benning, Georgia, on July 10, 1946, she was a daughter of the late Buck and Katherine Mize Sisk. Mrs. Watkins was a member of Jackson Creek Baptist Church for many years where she helped look out for the grounds with her friend, Doris Strickland. She later attended North Trenholm Baptist Church with her children and grandchildren. She was a devout Elvis Pressley listener and supporter and loved listening to his music.

Survivors include her husband, Carl Luther Watkins, III; sons, Carl Luther Watkins, IV (Michelle Seel) and Clifford L. Watkins (Cheryl Lynn Pinel); grandchildren, Kiersten, Katherine "Laken", Kimberly, Karlie, Declan "Graham" and Connor Watkins; great-grandson, Kieran "Landon" Watkins; and her sister, Joan Contris (Chuck); and brother, Tommy Sisk (Paula). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, L. Jean Jones (Eddie).

The service for Mrs. Watkins will be held at 6 o'clock, Friday, November 24th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, with the Rev. Joe Copeland officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 .