Mrs. Grace Gibson Watkins, 96, peacefully passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, at her daughter's home. She was born on January 2, 1930, as the fourth of twelve children born to the late Vernon Gibson and Louise Hicks Gibson.

She graduated from Florence High School in High Point, NC. After her father's passing, she took her first job in the restaurant business at Mayberry’s, which operated under Lindale Dairy Bar in the 1940s. Later, the name was changed to Mayberry Ice Cream Restaurant in High Point, NC. She worked there to help her mother pay the bills and to take care of her younger siblings.

Later, she married the love of her life, Arthur Mack Watkins, Sr., and moved to Maryland, bringing with her a blend of technical cooking skills, practical kitchen experience, and physical stamina. She started in entry-level positions and gradually developed her leadership abilities in the kitchen, rising from prep cook to chef. After ten years in Maryland, she returned home to care for her mother and became one of the top chefs at the Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, NC.

As the oldest living member of Turner’s Chapel A.M.E. Church, she proudly held the title of "Mother of the Church," a testament to her enduring faith and commitment.

Grace was a beautiful soul whose kitchen served as the true heart of her home. She not only shared recipes but also love, comfort, and unconditional kindness. Every meal she prepared was a generous gift, and every guest who crossed her threshold became an instant part of her family. She lived her life with a servant's heart, always seeking ways to help those around her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Mack Watkins, Sr., and her beloved son, Arthur Mack Watkins, Jr. She was also preceded by five brothers: Vernon (Billy) Gibson, Edgar F. Gibson, Raymond Gibson, James E. Gibson, and Edward S. Gibson, as well as four sisters: Annie Mae Gibson, Gertrude Crouch, and twin sisters Ruby and Ethel, who both died at birth.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and devotion. Her warmth and beautiful spirit will be forever cherished by her surviving family members. She is survived by her children: Diane Cathey, along with her favorite son-in-law, Luther, and her son, Raymond Watkins. Her loving legacy continues through her cherished grandsons and their families: Brandon Cathey (Sherika) and Sean Cathey (Amber). She was also a proud and doting grandmother to her treasured great-grandchildren: Cameron, Javion, Amir, Treasure, Amaya, Layla, Christian, Elijah, Israel, and Zorian. Additionally, she is remembered by her sister, Ida Bell Gibson Fuller, her sisters-in-law, Dorothy Presley Gibson and Frances Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, along with other family members and friends.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Turner's Chapel A.M.E. Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Interment will be held Monday, June 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Guilford Memorial Park.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.