Nezzie Darby Watkins

Nezzie Darby Watkins, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and caregiver, was born March 23, 1940, in Columbia, South Carolina, the daughter of the late Wiley Kennedy and Rosena Darby. She passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the age of eighty-five.

Neck, as she was affectionately called, was educated in the public schools of Richland School District One and was a graduate of C. A. Johnson High School in the Class of 1958. After graduation Nezzie went on to dedicate nearly her entire life to serving others as a compassionate home health
nurse. Though she is no longer physically with us, her loving and kind spirit will forever live in the hearts and lives of all those who loved and knew her.

In addition to her parents, Nezzie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Melvin Jack Watkins; her cherished son, Jeffrey M. Watkins; and her dear daughter, Teresa Watkins.

Her legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion lives on through her loving children, Tonia "Dee Dee" Watkins, Terry "Duke" Watkins, and Daryl "Duck" Watkins. She will also be remembered fondly by her sisters, Rosena Kennedy, Elease Atterbury and Gloria Eargle all of Columbia, SC; and brothers, Jerry (Claudia) Kennedy and Ralph (Jackie) Kennedy, both of Columbia, SC.

Nezzie was a proud grandmother to Tamiko (Victor) Singleton, Jabborie Watkins, Lakisha (Robert) Butler, Jeffrey Watkins, Jeremi (Yolita) Watkins, Kwame Watkins, and Javonte Watkins and ten (10) great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. She also leaves behind loving nieces, Fermaicko Bookman, Veronica (Johnathan) Glenn, Bonita Taylor, Shenri Kennedy, Allegre (Calvin) Atkins, all of Columbia, SC and nephews, Maurice Kennedy, Abraham Kennedy Jr., and Damien Dupre, all of Columbia, SC. In addition to her immediate family, she is also survived by many dear nieces, and nephews all of whom loved her deeply, along with a host of extended family members and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Nezzie will be remembered for her warm spirit, her fierce dedication to family, and her nurturing heart. She touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nezzie Darby Watkins, please visit our floral store.