Myrna Frances Butler Watkins, 75, of Saluda met her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face Tuesday, January 21, 2014. Born on June 3, 1938, in their Saluda County farm home, Myrna was the daughter of the late Marian and J.P. Butler. She was married to the late James N. "Jimmy" Watkins, Jr.

Surviving are Myrna and Jimmy's children: Nicky and his wife, Janet; Babs and her husband, Johnny Willis; and Jon and his wife, Pansy. She enjoyed her grandchildren: Jamey Watkins, Carla Watkins Jackson, Nicklaus Willis, Leanna Willis Owings, Jonathon Watkins, and Joni Watkins Mears. God's many blessings included six great-grandchildren. She is survived by a brother, Jones Butler. She was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Butler. Myrna's many gifts included the gift of hospitality which brought into her family Donna Leopard, her husband Andy, Carmen, and Jonah. She was a second mama to many.

The focus of her life was her relationship with the Lord, Whom she served faithfully. She was committed to her church, Good Hope Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for over 50 years. She directed Vacation Bible School, a mission near and dear to her heart. Active in the music ministry for many years, she sang in the choir, played the piano, and played the organ. Devoted to sharing her Lord with others, she went on three mission trips to China in the latter years of her life. She spent most of her life as a homemaker; however, after her children were grown she started a business in her hometown, Lunch'N'Treats.

Joining her family to provide care for her in the last years of her life were the caregivers on the Wise Wing at the Saluda Nursing Center who to her became family.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 22, from 6-8, at the home of Babs and Johnny Willis, 920 May Road (GPS 379 May Road), Saluda, SC. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, January 23, at Good Hope Baptist Church. The burial will be in the Mayson Memorial Cemetery at Good Hope Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning.

Pallbearers are Jamey Watkins, Nicklaus Willis, Jonathon Watkins, Justin Butler, Trent Jackson, and Steven Owings. Honorary Pallbearers for the 1:00 Memorial Service will be the ladies in the Marian Butler Sunday School Class.
Memorials may be made to the ministry of your choice or to international missions through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at Good Hope Baptist Church, 1738 Greenwood Highway, Saluda, SC.