Cheryl Murphy Watkins

Cheryl Murphy Watkins, 79, of Evans Georgia, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on December 21, 2025.

Born in Augusta, Cheryl was the beloved daughter of Leonard and Virginia Hayes Murphy. Cheryl graduated from the Academy of Richmond County in 1964, and went on to work for the VA hospital for 41 years. She enjoyed her job and her many friends she met while working there.

While in middle school, she met Wilson M. Watkins and after many years of dating, she and Wilson were married on June 10, 1967. Together, they built a beautiful life and were married for 58 years. She was a devoted mother to Wilson Brent Watkins and Cheryl Lane Watkins and grandmother to Colby Brent Watkins. Colby called her “Nanny“ and she loved him dearly.

After retirement in 2015, she was able to attend Colby‘s shooting events and even traveled to Illinois to cheer him on.
Every summer, she would volunteer at Vacation Bible school at Riverview Church in Evans. Cheryl loved attending church and talking with all of her friends.

Cheryl was proceeded in death by her parents, Leonard and Virginia Murphy of Augusta, Georgia. She is survived by her beloved husband, Wilson; her sister; Brenda Murphy of Augusta, Georgia; her son, Brent (Beth) Watkins; her daughter, Lane Watkins of Evans, Georgia; her grandson, Colby (Carleigh) Watkins of Brunswick, Georgia and her special little dog, Nala.

Because of her love of animals, memorials may be made in her name to Columbia County Animal Services, 1940 William Few Parkway, Grovetown, Georgia 30813. Cheryl enjoyed watching wildlife in Evans and often bought food for animal rescue groups.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00am at Riverview Church, 1244 Furys Ferry Road, Evans, Georgia 30809. Lunch will be served following the ceremony.