Ava Mae Watkins

Mrs. Ava Mae Watkins, age 74, of Almo, Kentucky, passed away, Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky.

Mrs. Watkins was born on March 14, 1950, in Highland Park, Michigan to the late Hollon and Haughtie Chester Byars. Also preceding her in death was an infant brother, Rex Albert Byars.

 Ava retired from Murray State University as a news reporter. She was a charter member of the Westside Baptist Church and the friendship Sunday school class. Ava had been a member of the Watch board of directors since 1984, serving as Chair since 1993. As one of the guiding forces behind Watch Inc., her leadership, Wisdom, and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in shaping their path towards success. Ava was a Kentucky Colonel and loved Murray State Basketball. She worked at the basketball games up until just last year and watched every game she could on TV if she couldn’t make it to the game. 

Survivors include one daughter, Anne Wilson and husband David of New Concord, Kentucky; three sons, Mark Watkins and wife Lori of Almo, Kentucky, Ben Watkins and wife Christy of Hazel, Kentucky and Steven Watkins and wife Laura of Kirksey, Kentucky; eight grandchildren, Brandon Carter, Amber Carter, Chynna Robertson, Emma Watkins, Zoe Watkins, Samuel Watkins, Bella Wilson and Jacie Watkins; seven great grandchildren, Kaiden Carter, Kamden Carter, Abigail Carter, Ella Duke, Ruby Robertson, Greyson Robertson and Selah Robertson.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. John Dale and Pastor Merrick Nunn will officiate, and burial will follow in the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2024, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can go to Watch Inc. 702 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071 or Humane Society of Calloway County, 607 Poplar Street Suite A, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.