Lou Rachel Johnson Watkins

Lou Rachel Johnson Watkins, a resident of Camden, Alabama, died on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Baptist Hospital in Starkville, Mississippi. The celebration of Rachel’s life will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 12:00 at Camden Baptist Church with Reverend Jamie Agee officiating and Dunklin Funeral Home directing. Burial will follow at Camden City Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Rachel was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi on April 19, 1935 to Alsie and Gertrude Johnson. She graduated from Bloomo High School in Neshoba County, then worked for Southern Bell Telephone Company in Philadelphia and Jackson, Mississippi and Atlanta, Georgia. She married the love of her life, Arlie Dees Watkins, on July 16, 1955, and moved to Camden, Alabama, where they owned and operated the Western Auto Associate Store for 46 years. Rachel was an accomplished artist, especially in painting beautiful china pieces. She continued to attend classes and perfect her technique for years after retirement.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Arlie. She is survived by her children Jennifer Watkins Blackbourn (Richard) of Starkville, Mississippi and Arlie David Watkins (Trish) of Alpharetta, Georgia. She is survived by five grandchildren: Marshall Blackbourn (Sarah) of Biloxi, Mississippi; Forrest Blackbourn (Andrea) of Dalton, Georgia; Laura Watkins-King (Kaylee) of Columbia, South Carolina; John Watkins of Alpharetta, Georgia; and Amy Watkins of Alpharetta, Georgia. Rachel is survived by two great grandchildren, Blythe Blackbourn and Zaelyn Bonner (Nate), both of Dalton, Georgia. She is also survived by her sisters Auline Graham and Deloris Skinner and brother Paul Johnson, all of Neshoba County, Mississippi.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Camden Baptist Church or the charity of one’s choice.