Livingston Funeral Home - Johnnie Marie Watkins-Holman

Funeral Services for Mrs. Johnnie Marie Watkins-Holman, age 85, of Hermitage, Tennessee, and formerly of Overton County will be conducted 2 p.m., Saturday, September 2, 2023, from the chapel of Livingston Funeral Home.  Bro. Howard Dailey will officiate.  Burial to follow in the Walnut Grove Cemetery.  The family will welcome friends on Saturday morning from 11 a.m. until time of services.

On August 30, 2023, Johnnie Marie Watkins-Holman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away courageously after recently celebrating her eighty-fifth birthday.  She was surrounded, supported, and loved by family and friends during her transition.

Johnnie was the daughter of Clyde and Ruby Watkins and had six brothers, Earl, Billy Ray, Paul, Jack, Fred, and Rick Watkins, and five sisters, Mary Joe, Betty, Janie, Brenda, and Patricia.

She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Kenneth Holman of Hermitage, TN; daughter, Cindy Monsue and son-in-law, James of Mt. Juliet, TN; son, Chad Holman and daughter-in-law, Jill of Cedar Hill, TN; and an extensive number of nieces and nephews.

She was the proud grandmother "Ginny" of Jessica Whitaker, Blaine and Lauren Holman, and even prouder great-grandmother of Camden Littlejohn and Preston Whitaker.

Throughout her life, Johnnie was well revered as the 'Matriarch" of the Watkins family.  She exemplified the true meaning of servant leadership towards family, friends, and her community.  In her adult life, Johnnie always sought the joy of traveling.  In 2003, she enjoyed a two-week tour of several European countries.  One of her lifelong goals was to visit all of the 50 states and in 2012, she accomplished that goal by traveling to the state of Oregon.  Johnnie truly cherished the concept of 'family' and always sought ways to improve and continue the practice of frequent reunions for the Watkins family.

Her home represented a place where everyone was always made to feel welcome. She never hesitated to assist others in any way that she could and shared her compassion, empathy, and joy with all that she knew.  The celebrations and tragedies of those that she knew.  She was a huge bluegrass and country music fan and enjoyed reading autobiographies of entertainers from those genres.  Her love of country music drove her to volunteer for many years at the original "Fan Fair" events in Nashville.

Nephews Randy Watkins, Mike Sells, Scott Watkins, Jackie "Dink" Watkins, John Ross Watkins, and great-nephew Kevin Watkins will serve as pallbearers.  

Honorary pallbearers are nephews Steve Dailey, Teddy Watkins, Todd Watkins, Chris Dailey, Timmy Watkins, and Jeff Watkins, and long-time friend Phillip Watson.

In lieu of flowers, Johnnie's wish was to have donations made in her honor to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.  

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