Phyllis Watkins of Gaithersburg, MD died peacefully at the home of her daughter Gail, after a brief illness, on Tuesday, May 16, 2017. She was surrounded by her loving family.

         She was the wife of the late E. Wheeler Watkins, her husband of 54 years. Born July 18, 1923 in Clarksburg, MD. She was the daughter of the late William H. and Lola M. Thompson. She was predeceased by her four brothers and one sister: W. Earl Thompson, John E. Thompson, Bowie F. Thompson, H. Lindsey Thompson, Neva L. Burner and many nieces and nephews.

         She was the mother of two daughters, Diane K. Wides and husband Richard, of Towson, MD. and Gail M. Steiding and husband Kenneth of Laytonsville, MD. Four grandchildren Nicole M. Beckwith and husband Robert of Mt. Airy, MD. Jessica R. Appler and husband Austin of Cockeysville, MD., Whitney L. Fox and husband Ryan of Towson, MD., Mark A. Steiding and wife Marian of Gaithersburg, MD. Seven Great Grandchildren Tyler Beckwith, Ryan Beckwith and Kyle Beckwith, Chase Appler, Tanner Appler, Gavin Fox (another due in September) and Luke Steiding. Two step-grandsons Adrian Steiding and wife Lisa, of Gainesville, VA. And Scott Steiding and Jessica, Warrenton, VA. Five step great grandchildren Addison, Alex and Colin Steiding, Isabella Steiding and Sophia Steiding.

         She was a graduate of Richard Montgomery High School and retired from the Atomic Energy Commission, Dept. of Energy in 1979 after 25 years of service. She attended Upper Seneca Baptist Church since 1944 as an active member. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and was a member of the adult choir. She served on many committees, her favorite being the Hospitality, which she was still active with up until she became ill in February. She loved her family, her church, her cat “Tiger”, her flowers, playing the guitar, singing and dancing. She sang over the radio, WFMD in Frederick in the 1940’s. She loved cooking and baking. 

         The family would like to thank her caregivers Alice and Bright who had a special fondness for “Mommie” and hospice nurse Josie.

         Friends may call 3:00-5:00pm on Sunday, May 21 at Molesworth-Williams Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Rd, Damascus, MD, 20872. Funeral Service will be held 11:00am Monday, May 22 at Upper Seneca Baptist Church, 23401 Davis Mill Rd. Germantown, MD. 20876. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Upper Seneca Baptist Church.

(Online condolences may be shared with the family through this website)