Henrietta Watkins

Henrietta Watkins, age 96 of Paris, TN, died Sunday, October 8, 2023, at her residence. 

She retired from Holly Carburetor in Paris.  She formerly worked at the Clippard Plant and was a homemaker.  Henrietta loved gardening, sewing, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles.  She kept a journal every day, enjoyed doing things for others, and loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was a member of Puryear Church of Christ.

Henrietta was born January 19, 1927, in Stribling, TN, to the late Henry West and the late Julia Satterwhite West.

She was first married in 1944 to Frank Paul Hosford, who preceded her in death in 1964.  She later married Mack Watkins in 1967, who preceded her in death in 1999.

She is survived by three children, Franky (Jan) Hosford of Paris, TN, Jerry Mack (Sue) Watkins of Dover, TN, Rita (Randy) Gean of Buchanan, TN; one daughter-in-law, Brenda Hosford of Paris, TN; one brother, Ray (Pat) West of New Braunfels, TX; ten grandchildren, Julie (Paul) Morton, Shannon (Paul) McCampbell, Paul Hosford, Farrah (Andy) Salmon, Justin (Sarah) Hosford, Angela (Waylon) Rushing, Dana (Rich) Mullins, Dianne (Bo) McCaulla, Jinny (Mark) Pritchett, and Jeff Gean; 18 great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and caregivers, Carrie Retzlaff, Vicki Hoffman, and Rose Thornton.

In addition to her parents, first husband, and second husband, she was also preceded in death by one son, Danny Hosford; one brother, Cecil West; and one great grandchild.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home with John Dale and Mackie Gallimore officiating. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Devin Pritchett, Waylon Rushing, Paul Hosford, Justin Hosford, Jeff Hill, Clay Hosford, Andy Salmon, and Brayden Hosford.  Named as honorary pallbearers are Charles and Mary Allen, Tony Nance, Jeff Gean, Randy Fowler, and the members of Puryear Church of Christ.

Burial will be in Wofford Cemetery in Stewart County, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Puryear Church of Christ, 90 Chestnut Street, Puryear, TN 38251 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.