Amaryllis "Chickie" Beasley Watkins

HENDERSON- Amaryllis Stanford Beasley “Chickie” Watkins, 91, of Brookrun Road, died Monday, June 16, 2025 at UNC Rex Hospital as the result of congestive heart failure. Born March 15, 1934 in Vance County, she was the daughter of the late Hilda Morgan Beasley and William Barney Beasley and sister to the late Fred Beasley. Amaryllis, known to her family and friends as “Chickie” was born and reared in Henderson and attended public schools there. She was a graduate of Woman’s College in Greensboro, later known as UNCG. Chickie was a member of First Presbyterian Church and over the years belonged to several organizations. She considered herself a poor bridge player but appreciated her bridge club tolerating her for over 60 years. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church Henderson by Rev. David Fuentes. She was the mother of whom she considered two exceptional children, George Rose “Chip” Watkins, Jr. and wife, Gayle Irvin Watkins of Henderson; and Leah Rose Watkins Dodge and her partner, Michael R. Grey of Richmond, VA. She is also survived by her husband, George Rose Watkins, Sr. and had been married 68 years. She jokingly told people their marriage was an endurance test and that both of them had survived. She was known as “Memama” to her two grandchildren, Kathryn Morgan Watkins Dickerson, husband, Brandon and Owen Maxwell Dodge, wife, Maria. Both of them were a great joy in her life. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, William Watkins “Watts” Dickerson and Emilia Rose “Millie” Dodge; two sisters-in-law, Gloria Smith Watkins; Jean Falkner Beasley and Faye Tyree and husband, James; and several nieces and nephews. Sadly she was preceded in death by her eldest grandson, George Rose “Tripp” Watkins, III for whom she grieved until she took her last breath. The family will receive friends following the service at 12:00 P.M. at Henderson Country Club. Chickie was a lover of animals and nature. Mahatma Ghandi was quoted as saying “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” At her request, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society, 165 US Hwy 158 Bypass, Henderson, NC 27537 or www.rcaps.org/donate/ or First Presbyterian Church Henderson, P.O. Box 726, Henderson, NC 27536.