Gwendolyn (Byrum) Watkins

Mrs. Gwendolyn Byrum Watkins, 79 of Norwood, NC, died Sunday, October 27, 2013 at her home.  Funeral Services will be held 2pm Thursday, October 31, 2013 at Bennettsville AME Zion Church, 469 Carver Rd., Norwood, NC 28128,  with Interment to follow in the Church Cemetery.  Visitation will be held 1:30 pm to 2pm prior to the service at the church.  Public viewing will be held 12pm to 7pm Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Mount Gilead, NC.

Lenoir was born in Stanly County, NC December 28, 1933 to the late Frank Byrum and Nellie Byrum McInnis.  She attended the public schools of Stanly County and was a graduate of Dudley Beauty School, Greensboro, where she received her cosmetology license.  She also worked with Gilead Manufacturing and Cassie Cotillion for over 40 years.

She was preceded in death by a son, Ray Gene Byrum and a brother, Vander Lee McInnis. She was a faithful member of Bennettsville A.M.E. Zion Church, until her health began to fail.

She leaves to cherish loving memories to her husband of 55 years, William T. Watkins of the home; seven children; Zaid El-Amin (Diyah) of Alameda, CA; Jewel Morgan of Raleigh, NC; Vicki Dumas (Jerome) of Norwood, NC, William R. Watkins (Lashonda) of Bowie, MD, Rhonda Holt of Norwood, Robin Watkins of Temple Hills, MD and Natarsha Watkins of Norwood, NC; 17 grandchildren;  14 great-grandchildren; sisters; Esdale McInnis and Daisy McInnis and a brother, Wendell McInnis (Geneva) all of Charlotte, NC; 5 sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law; uncle, Franklin R. Byrum (Mable) of Indian Trail, NC; god-children; Cathy Holland, Westra Colson and Brian Colson; special friends, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and dear friends.