July 15, 1927 — Nov. 8, 2013

Coleene Mae Watkins was born July 15, 1927, in Schoolcraft, Mich., the daughter of Glen R. and Luella (Porter) Shearer. Her early school years were spent at Clark school and later she graduated from Schoolcraft High School. Coleene then moved to Kalamazoo where she attended Parsons Business College. After graduating, she married George H. Watkins on Oct. 10, 1948 in Schoolcraft, Michigan. During their early years of marriage, Coleene was a bookkeeper in Schoolcraft. They lived in Schoolcraft until 1965, at which time they moved to Dowagiac, Michigan. Following George’s retirement, they traveled extensively in the United States pursuing their numerous hobbies. Coleene’s hobbies included genealogy, sewing, and quilting. Coleene was a member of the Van Buren Regional Genealogy Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution, OES Corinthians #123, Antlerettes, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Jr. Arts, Piecemakers quilt guild, and multiple bridge clubs.

Coleene is survived by a daughter Anne Watkins of Dowagiac, Michigan, and three sons; John (Lee Ann) Watkins of Idaho Falls, Idaho, David Watkins of Sturgis, Michigan, and Bob (Karen) Watkins of Dandridge, Tennessee. Coleene is also survived by 8 grandchildren, David (Namita) Watkins of Phoenix, Arizona, Adrienne (Eddie) Rivera of Winchester, Virginia, Steve Watkins of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Greg (Cynthia) Watkins of Pocatello, Idaho, Jennifer (Justin) Mathewson of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Bryon (Jennifer) Watkins of Dowagiac, Mich., Stephanie (Josh) Kunkowski of Whitesburg, Tenn., and Melissa Watkins Alexander of Boston, Mass. Coleene is also survived by 21 great grandchildren, one brother Gene (Elizabeth) Shearer of Schoolcraft, Mich., one sister Wanda (Pete) Stuck of Schoolcraft, Mich., and a sister-in-law Betty Shearer of Vicksburg, Mich. as well as many nieces and nephews.

Coleene passed away on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, at the Timbers of Cass County in Dowagiac, Mich. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother Edwin, and a great granddaughter, Annika Brynn Watkins.

Coleene’s family will receive friends on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Clark Chapel, 405 Center Street, Dowagiac, Mich. Her funeral service will be held Friday at 1 p.m. also at the Clark Chapel. Coleene will be laid to rest in Schoolcraft Cemetery, Schoolcraft, Mich. Following the graveside services, lunch will be served at the Masonic Temple which is located north of Schoolcraft. Memorial contributions in Coleene’s name may be directed to the Lions Club in Dowagiac, Michigan or to Great Lakes Caring Hospice. Please take the opportunity to sign her guestbook and leave a message for the family at www.clarkch.com.