Coeta Jean Watkins

Coeta Jean Watkins 87, of Maryville, MO, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at the Golden Living Center, Maryville.

Coeta was born on July 4, 1921 in parnell, MO. She spent most all her life in Northwest Missouri and has resided in Maryville since 1951. She graduated from College High School in 1939, and then completed her Nurses Training at Missouri Methodist Hospital in St. Joseph, becoming a RN in 1943. Coeta was the school nurse for 20 years at the Eugene Field Elementary School and Washington Middle School, both of Maryville.

Coeta enlisted in the Army Nurses Corps on April 14, 1944 and received her Honorable Discharge in March 1946 as a 1st Lieutenant. She flew thousands of miles as a nurse bringing injured service men back from Europe to Amarillo, TX., and had estimated she took care of over 2000 soldiers during that time.

Since 1951 she has been a member of the First Christian Church of Maryville, having taught Sunday School, and with her husband, Doyle, was the CYF sponsor at the church. She was also active with the Mary & Martha Group at the church.

Coeta was a member and the only female Commander of the James Edward Gray American Legion Post 100, Maryville. She was the past president, Chaplain and member of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Coeta was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Celeste Evans Conrad, and a son, Ronald in 2007. And by four brothers, Lloyd, Vilas, Forrest and Verlyn, and two sisters, Lorraine Throckmorton, and Zeta Seals.

Coeta married Doyle E. Watkins on July 1, 1951 in Maryville, he survives of the home. She is also survived by two sons, Bob and wife Gail Watkins, of Jefferson City, and Roger Watkins of Indianapolis, IN, and two grandchildren, Kelli Watkins, Mobile, AL, and Jonathan David Watkins, Kansas City, MO., and several nieces and nephews.

Her funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday April 4, 2009 at the First Christian Church, Maryville, with the Rev. Dale Stewart officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, also of Maryville. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. The family suggests memorials to the First Christian Church, or to SSM Hospice of NW Missouri, both of Maryville. The bram Funeral Home of Maryville, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Online obituary and condolences: www.bramfuneralhome.com