Obituary of Dorothy L. Watkins

Dorothy L. Taft-Watkins, 85, of Woodhull, New York passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Robert Packard Hospital with her family by her side. Her love for family and faith were the cornerstones of her life. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Gladys Impson Taft, born in Moreland, New York on December 24, 1938. She married Eldred S. Watkins on April 7, 1956 who predeceased her on June 15, 2011. Dorothy loved canning for her family, crocheting, country music, camping, bird watching and spending time with her family. Fun times laughing and having special lunches with her sisters was always cherished. She treasured watching all of her great grandchildren's sports games. She worked for the Village of Woodhull on the Village Board with Minnie Casinelli, George Symonds, John Colvin, and Mary Davis. She clerked for several Post Offices including: Woodhull, Jasper and Addison. She held the Postmaster position at Cameron where she retired on November 29, 1996. She was a member of the Community Baptist Church and was involved in helping with the "Prayer Chain". It made her happy to send loved ones cards to put a smile on their face. She also volunteered her time to help with the Woodhull Food Pantry. Surviving are her children, Betty (Walt) Lucas of Addison, Stephen (Vicki) Watkins of Bath, and Nancy Watkins of Woodhull, her grandchildren, Dan (Mary) Lucas, Chrissy (James) Moyer, Cliff (Josephine) Hall and Amanda (Scott) Hackathorn, her great grandchildren Makenna, Eli, Ian, Alex, Austyn, Blake, Anthony, Collin, Matthew and one great-great grandchild, Krislyn. Also surviving are her brothers, Richard (Jeanie) Taft, Fred (Cindy) Taft, sisters-in-law Marguerite Taft, Joyce Taft and Peggy Taft, her sisters, Judy Cooney and friend Bill Crans and Edith Sarviss, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and lots of friends Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Floyd, Roger, Paul and brother-in-law, Robert Sarviss. Friends may call on Sunday, March 24 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. Services will be held there on Monday at 2 pm with Rev. Brian Diffenbacher officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodhull Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dorothy's name are suggested to the Community Baptist Church or the Woodhull Food Pantry.