Jean White Watkins

Jean White Watkins, 78, of Decatur, Alabama, passed away peacefully at her home in Decatur on June 1, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. During the last year of her life, Jean was surrounded with extraordinary love and support from her family, friends, and her church community following the death of her beloved husband, Stephen Lee “Steve” Watkins, in August, 2025. Born on August 4, 1947, Jean was the daughter of Jesse Marion White and Mabel Cox White. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in home economics. While at Auburn, Jean met Steve on a blind date, a story she loved to tell throughout her life. The two later became engaged in the rose garden at Auburn, beginning a marriage that would span nearly 55 years. Jean taught special education before devoting herself full-time to her family as a mother and homemaker. In addition to caring for her family, Jean taught organizational classes and shared her Christian testimony at numerous events, leading many women to Christ. She had a remarkable gift for hospitality and a special ability to make even strangers feel like cherished friends. She was a beloved member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, whose congregation faithfully surrounded her with love and encouragement during the final months of her life. Jean is survived by her daughters, Laura Watkins Jordan (Adam) of Columbia, South Carolina, and Amanda Watkins Tedford (Stace) of Athens, Alabama; her grandchildren, Hunter Lee Tedford, Emaline Katherine Jordan, Annalee Caroline Jordan, and Caitlyn Grace Tedford; her brother, John William “Bill” White (Carol); her niece, Callie White Guillory (Micah); and her nephew, John Will White. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. A graveside service will be held at Decatur City Cemetery on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Pastor Nathan Eldridge will officiate. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary caregivers of Hospice of North Alabama, whose compassionate care, guidance, and support helped ensure that both Jean and Steve’s final days were spent in comfort and dignity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the BrightSpring Hospice Foundation in support of Hospice of North Alabama. Gifts help provide essential support for hospice patients and families facing financial hardship. Jean will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, as well as a woman of deep faith, kindness, hospitality, and grace. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that her faith in Jesus Christ was steadfast and that she is now at home with the Lord.

Jean White Watkins

August 4, 1947 - June 1, 2026