Jean Mann Watkins

Jean Mann Watkins passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, at home in Durham surrounded by family. Born on October 11, 1925, in the Hawfields community of Alamance County, North Carolina, she lived a vibrant life filled with adventure and cherished memories, having visited all 50 states and six continents. Alaska held a special place in her heart, as she returned there four times. She created countless memories with her beloved traveling companion, her sister-in-law, Doris Jean Ashe. Together, they explored the world and returned to their two favorite destinations, St. Petersburg, Russia, and Salzburg, Austria, one last time before their health declined.

Jean grew up working on her family’s dairy and egg farm in Mebane. With a playful spirit, Jean often claimed to have walked five miles uphill to school every day. In reality, it was only 1.3 miles (but still uphill each way). She remembered her mother packing her lunch in a lard bucket each morning and feeling a bit of embarrassment for that and having homemade bread when her classmates enjoyed store-bought. She didn’t realize then that she was ahead of the curve on the artisan bread movement. On chilly days, she would warm her mother’s homemade soup on the classroom’s pot-bellied stove. In true testament to her dedication and spirit, she flawlessly recited the Westminster Larger Catechism to her Sunday School teacher at just 11 years of age after a summer of preparation. A highlight of her teenage years was a family trip to the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City, a trip she always remembered fondly. At the age of 18, Jean purchased a lifetime subscription to The Reader's Digest, enjoying each edition until the end of her life. She could not remember how much she paid for the subscription and Reader’s Digest has no record of the amount. As her whole family can attest, it was worth every penny. She regretted that she was never able to be a race car driver, but at least she was able to talk her way out of a few speeding tickets. It was a thrill for her to make several rounds on the Lowe’s Motor Speedway on her 85th birthday.

Her lifelong curiosity for reading and learning led her to graduate as salutatorian from Alexander Wilson School after completing eleven grades, all that were offered at that time. She went on to earn an associate degree in business from Women's College, now known as UNC Greensboro, and eventually dedicated her career to public service at the Durham County Department of Social Services until her retirement.

Jean's family life journey began in Salzburg, Austria, where she welcomed her first child, and continued through various states, including Oklahoma, Texas, California, and Virginia, before returning to North Carolina in 1962. 

Jean was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, James Jackson Watkins, beside whom she was buried at Hawfields Presbyterian Cemetery; her daughter, Sara Ann Moylan; and her siblings: Dorothy Wagoner, Martha Smith, John Mann, and Kent Mann. She is survived by her sister Sara Mann; daughters, Nancy Watkins (Mike Mason) and Mary Kelly (Rich Kelly) and Sara’s husband, Bob Moylan; her grandchildren, Jamey and Robby Moylan; Whitney Simpson, Brad Simpson, and Martha Kiem; Jeb, Matt, and Tom Kelly; as well as 11 great-grandchildren who all knew and loved her dearly. She also leaves behind a special friend, Jodie Lee, who added much joy to her life in her later years.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on March 1 to honor Jean’s remarkable life and legacy. It will take place at Triangle Grace Church in Durham (formerly Triangle Presbyterian Church) where she was a member for 44 years. She served as an elder for two terms and was later elected Elder Emeritus in 2017, one of only five to have that honor. 

Jean’s adventurous spirit, constant curiosity, warmth, compassion for others and love for family (and the Carolina Tarheels) will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Durham Rescue Mission, Triangle Grace Church or Hawfields Presbyterian Church.