Stella (Jimenez) Watkins Obituary

Stella Jimenez Watkins, 66, of Chipley, Florida died suddenly on September 15, 2017 at her home. She was born April 9, 1951 to Valentin and Isaura Jimenez in Indio, California. Stella was raised in the Coachella Valley and graduated from Coachella Valley High School, College of the Desert (Palm Desert) and National University (Palm Springs.)

She had many accomplishments in her life, serving as a mental health worker and a chemical dependency counselor during which &me she created numerous innovative programs to help the growing desert community. In addition to her tenure as a chemical dependency counselor for Riverside County, she worked as a teacher’s assistant for the Coachella Valley Unified School District. Stella worked collaboratively with other well-known members of the community in assisting adolescents and their families overcoming drug abuse.

Stella was a well-loved daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. In 1971, she became the loving mother to her only child Valerie Marie. In 1989, Stella married Stanley Watkins and began a fast-moving life as a Marine wife in Texas, California and New Jersey. She spent many years as a homemaker and volunteer in Northern Virginia and West Florida. Those who knew her remember her dedication to family, friends and clients. She was a member of Calvary Chapel in Panama City Beach and was guided by her love of God, evident in her kindness to her family, pets and anyone who needed her. In difficult times, Stella could be counted upon to make that comforting call or send that much appreciated card or le=er. She was devoted to her beloved husband and was incredibly proud of his service to our country. At his side, they enjoyed attending baseball and football games, fishing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, traveling all over the United States and caring for their pets.

Stella was the adoring grandmother of five and great-grandmother of three. She cherished these children deeply, a sentiment that was evident in her stories and recollections of the various events in their lives. Stella was beloved by her family and a wide circle of friends scattered across the country. Her passing leaves a terrible hole in the lives of those who loved her, but we are confident that she is resting in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Stella was preceded in death by her parents, Valentin and Isaura Jimenez, and niece, Brenda Klund. She is survived by her husband Stanley Watkins of Chipley, Fl., daughter Valerie Austin Carter, grandchildren Kristen, Gavin, Taylor, William and Sara, and great-grandchildren Daniel, Bridgette, and Aria Stella Rose all of whom live in Western North Carolina. Additionally, she is survived by her siblings, Rosie Klund of La Crosse, WI.; Robert and Andrea Jimenez of Indio, CA.; Josie Jimenez of Hemet, CA. and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.Stella will be missed by all who met her. She was a light in this world taken far too soon, and her loss is profound to all who loved her.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Southwest Community Church, 77-701 Fred Waring Drive in Indian Wells on Friday, November 17, 2017 at 11:00 am
Flowers can be delivered to the church the morning of the services, or donations in her name are greatly accepted to Southwest Community Church in her name.