Margaret Smith Watkins of Charlotte Court House passed away peacefully, at home, on Monday August 27, 2018. Born in Pulaski, VA, on November 9, 1922, Margaret was the daughter of Robert Hall Smith and Mary Wysor Smith. Margaret was married to David Comfort Watkins, Sr. for 62 years, and was also predeceased by her daughter, Margaret Donnell Watkins.

Margaret is survived by David Comfort Watkins, Jr. and wife Pam, Elizabeth Watkins Carson and husband Carter, and James Clement Watkins and wife Allyson. Margaret is also a dearly beloved Mamie to grandchildren Allison Watkins Pillow, Emily Watkins Hamlett, David Comfort Watkins III, Carrington Watkins Pritchard, Scott Carter Carson, Isabel Wysor Carson, Mary Margaret Watkins, and Robert Wease Watkins, and great-grandchildren Annabelle Watkins Pillow, Henry Wayne Pillow, Sidney Clifton Hamlett, Garland Hyde Hamlett IV, Rutherfoord Golubic Hamlett, Margaret Leigh Pritchard, and Elizabeth Watkins Pritchard.

Margaret showed artistic talent at an early age, and both parents encouraged her. She studied art at Hollins College, where after two years her professor declared that he had taught her all he knew. She moved to Chicago, and in 1943 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts at The Art Institute of Chicago. For many, many years after that, Margaret never stopped painting. Her body of work is extensive, diverse, and beloved by all who are fortunate to share it.

Margaret was a Christian leader of absolute faith. For 42 years, she brought praise to our Lord from the organ at Village Presbyterian Church, and – during the boomer years – she was the Director of the Junior Choir. Her involvement in various church and community activities is beyond enumeration. To everything she did, Margaret brought passion, creativity, a playful sense of humor, and an iron will to do it right.

Margaret was a loving wife and mother, a consummate homemaker, a richly talented and prolific artist, and an accomplished musician. Margaret leaves behind a resounding legacy of Christian faith, intellectual vigor, boundless and tireless artistic pursuit, and steadfast devotion to church, family, and community. And popsicles.

A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 1, at Village Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Village Church, or the Village Cemetery Fund, both P.O. Box 300, Charlotte Court House, VA 23923.

The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is serving the family.