Ida Bell Watkins

Ida Bell Campbell Milam Watkins (Granny) went to see Jesus where she is singing and shouting the victory on May 2, 2022, at the age of 102 years and 3 months. Ida was born to Harvey and Julia Campbell in the Campbell home, south of Elgin in the Coon Neck Community, on January 23, 1920.

She was a retired LVN nurse and, at one time, was the president of her nurse’s league. She loved her instructors, Lula Mae Paris, RN and Gladys Snowden, RN.

Ida had many interests in life, as she would say, “I’ve seen it and done it all.” She enjoyed traveling with family and had gone on numerous trips and cruises. She always looked in the nightstand in hotel rooms for the Gideon Bible and would write a note for the next visitor.  She took many trips to Branson for the shows which included her favorite, Mickey Gilley. In later years, she traveled with her “lady friends” (Helen, Ruthie, and Leona) with Ida driving. She said, “Jesus was her co-pilot.” She would carry a packed suitcase in her car so she would be ready, “just in case someone wanted to go.”

She was an avid reader of all types of literature. However, her favorite was the Holy Bible and had read it through numerous times.  She always made notes of emphasis in the margins. She also had a wonderful way of expressing herself whether in prayer or writing letters and sermonettes to her children and grandchildren, and they are treasured by them.

Ida enjoyed gospel and country music and was always singing.  In later years, she would burst out singing, “When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.” She also enjoyed dancing and could keep up with the best of them. On her 100 ^th birthday, she danced with her oldest grandson, Robb.

She had many loves but above all she loved Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior. Ida was one of the pioneers of Coon Neck Community Church, now Family Worship Center, where she was an active member into her 90’s. She frequently would tell her children to teach the little ones about God so we can all be in Heaven together. She worked diligently to carry on the legacy left by her parents. If there was a job to do, she saw to it that it was done. Ida was a wise woman and hard worker with a “can do” attitude.

Ida joined her parents, Harvey and Julia Campbell, first husband, R.S. (Bob) Milam, second husband, H.C. (Woody) Watkins, son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Charlene Milam, and many many friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Bonnie (Howard) Machu and Judy (Harvey) Laake, her nine grandchildren, Robb Milam, Randy (Vicki) Milam, Ronnie Milam, Paula (Craig) Sini, Lori (Roger) Seggern, Teresa (Brett) Krause, Stephen Laake, Clay (Angela) Laake, and Tammy (Gary Reimers) Laake, and a host of loving great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

One Blessed Family!

A Viewing will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 12:00 to 5:00 PM at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 8, 2022, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Speir Cemetery.