Zora Lee Watkins

zora watkins

June 30, 1936 ~ May 8, 2026

Born in: Springfield , Ar
Resided in: San Antonio, TX

Zora Lee Watkins, Our Beloved Mother, Companion, Sister, Aunt, Godmother & Friend, went home to rest with our Lord on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the age of 89.

Zora was born on June 30, 1936, to Theodore Booker and Linnie Criswell in Springfield, Arkansas. She was the fourth of eight children born to this union. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age, at Holly Spring Baptist Church in Springfield, Arkansas.

Zora was a tenacious woman who believed in working hard and perseverance. She had a plethora of skills and worked many professions, She was employed with Luby’s Cafeteria in El Paso, Tx for three years, Parent Child Incorporated for six years, Data Point Incorporated for two years and Lastly, The Defense Language Institute on Lackland Air Force Base where she worked faithfully for thirty one years, before her retirement in 2012.

Zora loved the Lord with all of her heart, and she had more than a mustard seed of faith as she trusted God fully. She was a seventeen-year, cancer survivor but she never gave up. She endured many sicknesses, but she was like Job; despite her suffering, she had an enduring faith and resilience leaning on God’s promises.

She is proceeded in death by her mother, father, four brothers and three sisters. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories, one devoted daughter, one faithful son, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, a loving family, a loving extended family, many friends, Life- long faithful best friend, a special niece and a faithful, loving God- daughter.

Services

Visitation: Friday, May 29, 2026 10:00 am

Grace First Baptist Church
2514 Observation Dr.
San Antonio, TX


Funeral Service: Friday, May 29, 2026 11:00 am

Grace First Baptist Church
2514 Observation Dr.
San Antonio, TX


Cemetery: Friday, May 29, 2026 1:00 pm

Meadowlawn Memorial Park
5611 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX


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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. My deepest condolences to the family. I enjoyed meeting you, you were so welcoming. The neighborhood won’t be the same without your presence. Love Carol and Mike.

  2. My Beautiful God Mother, I could write a book about our time together. What a blessing and joy you have been in my life. God Allowed the right flower to come into my mothers life to bloom with love, care, honesty, discipline, laughter and to go through life milestones together. You were an Amazing Godmother & you held that title with pride, as did I. I adore you and I love you soo very much. You fought a good fight and you never lost hope in God. I find comfort in knowing where you are. I know that To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Nomore sickness & nomore pain. You are walking around Heaven now and you get to celebrate your birthday with your father this year. Rest In Power My Amazing God Mother Zora until we meet again!

  3. I would like to honor and celebrate the life of Ms. Zora Watkins, a remarkable woman of God whose strength, compassion, and unwavering faith touched every life she encountered. Ms. Zora Watkins was a woman who stood firmly in her convictions, faced every challenge head on, and carried herself with the quiet assurance that through faith, victory was always possible.
    Her dedication to family, friends, and community was evident in all that she did. She gave freely of herself — offering encouragement, wisdom, laughter, and love to those blessed enough to know her. Whether through a comforting word, a helping hand, or simply her presence, she made people feel seen, valued, and cared for.
    Zora will be remembered for her warmth, her engaging spirit, and those piercing eyes that seemed to look directly into the heart of a person. She possessed an indelible tenacity that inspired others to persevere no matter the circumstances. Even during difficult seasons, she remained steadfast, leaning not on fear, but on faith.
    Her faith was deeply anchored in Jesus Christ, and it guided every aspect of her life. She believed in the power of prayer, the promise of grace, and the assurance that God never leaves His children alone. That faith became a source of strength not only for her, but for everyone around her, especially her children – Ava and Waymon.
    Though her earthly presence will be greatly missed, the legacy of Ms. Zora Watkins lives on in the countless lives she touched. Her love, courage, and devotion leave an imprint that time cannot erase. May we honor her memory by carrying forward the same compassion, resilience, and faithfulness that she so beautifully embodied.
    “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23.

  4. I love you Ms. Zora. Thank you for loving me and my sister and taking care of us. Thank you for keeping us safe and never having us in harming, uncomfortable and unsafe Situations. I love you

  5. Zora, my beautiful cousin, you will truly be missed. When we talked on the phone, there was always laughter and great stories to share. You had a special bond with all of us. You were so jazzy and happy all the time, such a beautiful person. You will definitely be missed by your family. Love you cuz and I will miss our talks.

  6. We ❤️ you dearly and You were a real one to our family. We thank God for putting you in our lives. You were like the post woman, “Rain,shine,sleet or snow for us. Our family will keep you dear to our hearts until we all meet again. We will dearly miss you and will always remember the love and joy you shared with us Betty will miss you but Margaret will welcome you. Sis, until we all meet as gain . Luv you , Amen!

  7. Mrs. Zora Watkins was a saint. She was my supervisor at Defense Language Institute for about six years. She cared about people and was a wonderful Christian lady. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was widely respected. I remember once when soldiers were quarreling from different countries she told them to shake hands, apologize, and resolve their differences at once. She was a people person. She stood up for what was right and once asked a soldier if he had been drinking as she smelled alcohol. She stood up for people when they were treated unfairly. Thank G-d for her well-lived life and may her memory be a blessing. I know she is in a better place as she spoke of heaven even before she fell ill all those years ago. I really loved her and I know she was a dear friend to me.

  8. I remember first meeting Zora as my supervisor at DLI. We had some good laughs, and a very short dance at one of the DLI activities, where colleagues asked if we were the entertainment. I missed her playfulness when I left DLI. I wish her the best on her new journey, and look forward to catching up with her some day.

    Mark Rawlinson

  9. Zora always had time for her employees, friends and family. She will be remembered and missed by many.
    My condolences to her daughter Ava and all her family.

  10. I didn’t know Zora very well. I would see her at Grace First Baptist Church or at the home of our mutual friend, Betty Jones. Zora was always warm and friendly. I liked her immediately; her sense of humor and her warmth. I pray that her family is comforted in knowing she is no longer suffering, that she is at peace in the welcoming arms of our Lord and Savior,

  11. May Zora’s most cherished and fun filled memories continue to live in your hearts. May the love strength joy and peace overtake you today during this difficult time knowing that zora loved and loved a beautiful life because she was not a quitter but a champion in life and would want you to do the same. Her unwavering faith in God made her strength and determination hold fast while enduring the challenges of life

    Gerece Morris
    Milwaukee Wi/ Nashville Tn

  12. Rest Easy Mrs.Watkins. My Sincere Condolences Go Out To Ava & Waymond, And The Entire Watkins Family. You Will Truly Be Missed. You Fought A Good Battle. God Seen You Getting Weary And Called You Home To Rest In His Arms. Fly High Queen Z. You Lived A Life As Beautiful As You Were. And You Will Be Forever Be Remembered For Your Kindness And Love. To Be Absent From The Body Is To Be Present With The Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

  13. Rest Easy Mrs.Watkins. My Sincere Condolences Go Out To Ava & Waymond, And The Entire Watkins Family. You Will Truly Be Missed. You Fought A Good Battle. God Seen You Getting Weary And Called You Home To Rest In His Arms. Fly High Queen Z. You Lived A Life As Beautiful As You Were. And You Will Be Forever Be Remembered For Your Kindness And Love. To Be Absent From The Body Is To Be Present With The Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

  14. Sending condolences to the family. May the Lord give you’ll the strength need during this difficult time.she has joined the Angels in her heavenly home.

  15. Sending my condolences to the family. May the Lord give you the strength needed to endure this difficult time. Sister Zora has joined the Angeles in heaven. May she continue to test in peace


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