Pamela Marie Watkins

Pamela Winston Watkins

   After a 9 year journey with cancer, Pam passed away peacefully on December 19, 2023, with her husband Jim, and her beloved West Highland White Terrier Winston at her side. Pam and Jim were married for 48 years.   

   Pam was born in San Diego on October 6, 1957 to Patrick and Doris Winston. She spent most of her life living in Durham, North Carolina, attending Durham public schools and graduating from Southern High School in 1975.

   She is survived by her husband Jim Watkins, and Winston her Westie; her sister, Brenda Alexander; nephew, Jeremy Marshburn; nieces Jennifer Walsh, Karen Purgason, Lindsay Alexander, Stephanie Cole; grand nephew Logan Murray; grand niece, Penelope Ford and cousin Debbie Stribling.

   Pam had a very eclectic work history; Assistant Manager for Deb Shops in Northgate Mall, winning Northgate Employee of the Year in 1976; News and Traffic for WTIK radio; Operations Coordinator for Record Bar helping to open 1300 new stores and winning Employee of the Year in 1983; Volunteer Coordinator for Festival for the Eno. A gifted stained glass designer, she founded and ran Prism Art Glass for 10 years. In the early 2000's Pam found her true passion and calling as a teacher. At Durham Tech's Continuing Education Division, Pam taught stained glass, knitting and basket weaving, winning the Continuing Education Excellence in Teaching award in 2003. She then earned a degree in Accounting and taught Accounting as both an adjunct and full time instructor for Durham Tech, winning the adjunct Excellence in Teaching award in 2018.

   Pam enjoyed many hobbies, excelling at them all. She learned to ice skate at the age of 42 and was happiest on the ice. She was a talented and prolific knitter, completing many complex projects. These, along with cross stitch, crochet, quilting, jewelry making and some really serious baking occupied Pam's free time.

   Pam met and befriended many people on her cancer journey. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Duke Cancer Center and Duke Homecare and Hospice.

A memorial service will be held for Pamela Winston Watkins on March 9th 2024 at 1:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1737 Hillandale Rd, Durham, NC 27705

   In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Pam's favorite cause:

Westie Rescue,PO Box 282, Dunn Loring, VA 22027 or donate online at: https://westierescue.com/support-us/make-a-donation.html