AMY WATKINS OBITUARY

Amy Bennett Watkins, 70, of Shallotte, North Carolina, was called to her Heavenly home on December 2, 2022 after a battle with cancer.  She was born in New Hanover County on October 8, 1952, the daughter of the late Clement W. Hughes, Jr. and Allison Bennett Hughes.  

Amy led an adventurous life even at a young age.  She earned her pilot’s license and received a plane for her 16th birthday, instead of a car!  She was known for flying people to Ocean Isle Beach from other parts of the state. .  

Amy graduated from West Columbus High School (1970) then from Western Carolina University (1975). She taught in public schools for thirty-eight years, serving Union  Elementary School in Shallotte (32 years) and Guyton and Rincon Elementary Schools in Georgia (6 years). While teaching in Georgia, she met the love of her life, on a blind date. She and John were happily married for 45 years and had a son and three grandsons whom she loved spending time with.  

Amy was a lady of many talents.  She was a consultant for Saxon Math and was a part of the revision team for 1st grade math as well. She taught workshops throughout the state and later became part of Nancy Larson Publications, writing science curriculum for first grade.  Amy’s influence went beyond the student teachers she coordinated and mentored and spread to her co-workers.  She created a family-like environment for her colleagues and the many students she taught and loved. She worked so hard to make sure every child felt loved and created in them a love for learning.  After retiring from teaching, she became a staple at Inlet View Bar and Grill, her family’s restaurant, where she enjoyed spending time with her sister Samantha, greeting everyone with a big smile and ensuring they had a wonderful meal and experience. From the schoolhouse to the restaurant, she was a friend to all who knew her.  

Amy left behind her family whom she loved so dearly.  Surviving are her husband, John E. Watkins; son, Bo Watkins (Andrea) of Shallotte; sister, Samantha (Sam) Milliken (Timmy) of Shallotte; grandchildren, Zen, Ellis, and Elliott; niece, Sydney Carlyle (Darin) of Cameron, NC; and a special person she thought of as a brother, Bennett Craft of Savannah, GA.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at Union Elementary School in Shallotte, also known as “Amy’s Disney World” because she loved to be there more than anywhere else. The service will take place on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the gym. 

Memorials may be directed to the Union Elementary Book Program, 180 Union School Road, NW, Shallotte, NC 28470.