Gertrude was born on August 17, 1924 in Rutherford County, NC to the late William Thomas Hutchins and Hattie Causby Hutchins.  She had worked for Tanner’s and Fieldcrest Mills before her retirement.  She enjoyed cooking, crocheting and taking care of her family.  She attended Full Gospel Revival Church. 

     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Watkins; an infant daughter, Sandra Bonita Watkins; two brothers, Edgar Hutchins, Alton Hutchins and one sister, Lola Cochran.

     Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Watkins and wife, Elizabeth of Sunshine and David Watkins of Forest City; one brother, Ray Hutchins and wife, Nancy of Rutherfordton; three sisters, Betty Smith Vickers and husband, Paul of Spindale, Edna Bright and husband, Robert of Forest City and Mildred McCraw Broome and husband Ray of Green Hill. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Keith Watkins, Scott Watkins, Phil Watkins, Paul Watkins and Daniel Watkins; five great-grandchildren, Preston Morrow, Tyler Watkins, Amber Watkins, Morgan Watkins and Aaron Watkins.

     Funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, 2011 at Oak Springs Baptist Church with Reverend Tommy Hutchins and Reverend Don Hollifield officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until service time at the church.  At other times they will be gathered at 500 Robin’s Nest Road, Bostic.

     Harrelson Funeral Home is serving the Watkins family.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com