Wanda Watkins

Wanda Elvira Watkins, 89, of Abilene, TX, formerly of Merkel, TX. passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 in Abilene.

Wanda was born in Stith, TX to Bersha and Emmet Thompson. She attended school in Stith and in Merkel. She also attended summer school and graduated with honors from Merkel High School in three years.

She married Curtis Clyburn in January 1954. They had three children: Curtis Don Clyburn, Marsha Jean (Clyburn) Crane, and David Leon Clyburn. She was a busy wife and mother. She worked in the proof/transit department at Citizen’s National Bank of Abilene. She later went on to become an insurance clerk for WTU, working there for 18 years, before retiring in 1989. She had many interests, she was an award-winning Woman of the Year twice, and recognized for 26 years as a member of the Stith Home Demonstration Club, later known as the Texas Extension Education Association. She was also an avid bowler and was on a bowling league for several years, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Organization.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband Curtis Duke Clyburn in 1975. She later met and married Billy Ivan Watkins in October 1980. They were happily married for almost 45 years until his passing in 2021. She is also preceded in death by her youngest son, David Leon Clyburn in June 2021.

She is survived by son Curtis Don Clyburn, daughter Marsha Jean (Clyburn) and husband Dennis Crane, son Curtis and daughter-in-law Dorothy, daughter LouAnn (Watkins) and husband Dick “Woody” Griffith, Jerry Watkins and family, many grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Tim Clyburn, Jason Clyburn, Shane Vernon, Don Clyburn, and Dennis Crane. Visitation is from 5 -7 p.m., Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Starbuck Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Starbuck Funeral Home Chapel with Dick “Woody” Griffith officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel, TX.

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