Thelma Campbell Watkins

Thelma Campbell Watkins, 95, of Tucker, GA passed away on October 10, 2023. She was a 45 year cancer survivor. She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Dr. Franklin Rudolph Watkins, Sr., her parents Ellen and John Campbell of Waycross, GA and brothers Charles A. Campbell and James R. (Buck) Campbell. Thelma is survived by her brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas Elbert Watkins and her children, Dr. F. Rudy Watkins, Jr., Dr. Richard A. Watkins (Tracy), and Suzanne Watkins Jarbeau (Rick), all of the metro Atlanta area. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Abby and Victoria Watkins, Olivia, Grace, and Will Jarbeau, and 9 nieces and nephews.

Thelma graduated from Waycross High School in 1946. She worked at Pierce Drugs, where she met her husband-to-be after he returned home from serving in World War II. It was love at first site, and they married 3 months later. Shortly after, they moved to Atlanta for Pharmacy school. After his graduation, her husband, Dr. Frank, and his brother, Dr. Tom, owned Clairmont Skyland Pharmacy, Peachtree Rd. Pharmacy, and Rockbridge Pharmacy. Thelma found a career in jewelry sales, first working at Davison’s, Inman’s Jewelry, and later owning Suzeri, a jewelry & fundraising company. She always loved anything glitzy and glamorous!

Thelma was President of N. Clairmont Woman’s Club, Egress Widowed Club of DeKalb, Design for Living, and Ashford Park Garden Club. She was also a lifetime member of DeKalb Federated Garden Clubs, member of the Atlanta Classic Club, and attended Embry Hills United Methodist Church as long as she was able. Thelma loved helping others in all areas of life and thrived as a capable leader. At age 80 she still drove friends to doctor’s appointments, babysat her grandchildren, and filled in as needed at her son, Dr. Rick’s, office, from which she would frequently recirculate waiting room magazines to local nursing homes. In 2008, Thelma was suddenly struck with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) and could hardly move as a result. This began a 15-year struggle where she required full-time care. Thankfully, Thelma moved in with her daughter, Suzanne and her family, where she was loved and cared for until she passed. Thelma was a wonderful advisor, a loving friend, and above all else, an incredible mother. She was unwavering with encouragement and support for her children, keeping them busy with activities and attending their functions. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

“In a million years, we could not have chosen a better example and mother. Thank you, Mom, for taking us to Sunday school and Church. Tell Jesus “Hello!” for us, and we will see you and Dad soon. WE LOVE YOU!”

Funeral Arrangement: Service will be Friday October 27, 2023 at 11:00AM with visitation 10:00AM at World Harvest Church, Roswell, GA. Interment will be at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Duluth, GA.