Ruth Draper Watkins, departed this life on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Moses Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, NC.

Ruth was born on June 24, 1928, in Henry County. She was the oldest child of Roscoe Payne Draper and Catherine Draper Brown.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Ervin Draper and a grandson, Stephen Millner.

Ruth was a member of New Sharon Grove Baptist Church in Axton, VA where she served in the choir.  Additionally, she retired from Martin Processing after 15 years of service.

Ruth was united in marraige to Nathaniel Watkins on June 10, 1944.  To this union were born seven children: Margaret Ann (Jim) Millner, Nathaniel (Karen) Watkins, II, Albert (Bertha) Watkins, Catherine Tinsley Carter, James Dwight (Rebecca) Watkins, Antoinetta Watkins Burnett and Carl Anthony (Renee) Watkins, all of Martinsville, VA.

Ruth never met a stranger.  She would close her eyes to the faults of others and watch the doors of friendship swing open.  Selfless and generous to a fault, Ruth had an unspeakable joy and a great spirit of compassion.

In addition to her devoted husband of sixty-six years, she leaves to cherish fun memory to her seven children and three brothers: Chefo Draper, Rev. James "Little Bubba" Draper, and Herman (Inez) Draper all of Martinsville, VA; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.  She alo leaves to mourn a very dear cousin and best friend, Nannie Carter.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 27, 2011 at 11:30 at New Sharon Grove Baptist Church in Axton, VA with Rev. Larry Penn, officiating.  Burial will follow in Carver Memorial Gardens in Martinsville, VA.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Hines Funeral Services, Inc.