Emily Louise (Tudi) Watkins, 79, of Murfreesboro, TN, passed away on September 23, 2022.

Emily was born in Lawrence, MA to John and Louise Adams on May 1, 1943. She went to high school at Wakefield High School and graduated in 1961. She went on to earn an Associate’s Degree at Westbrook Junior College in 1963. Her time at Westbrook was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with the “Brookies.”

Emily married the love of her life, Alvin Watkins, on August 12, 1972 and became the bonus mom to three boys, Greg, Brandon, and Kevin. In 1975, Emily and Al welcomed their son, Chris.

Emily loved music, cooking, and providing wonderful hospitality to many guests throughout the years. All of these loves often came together at Christmas time with happy guests, delicious food, and caroling in the neighborhood. She regularly played the piano and sang in church choirs.

Emily had exemplary organizational skills. These were on display annually with her publication of a family newsletter. She also took several turns in leadership positions for the Watkins Family reunion, publishing the Watkins Family Cookbook. She was class Secretary from Westbrook and received the Tower award for outstanding Alumni achievement at her 50th class reunion.

Emily is survived by her son Chris (Shara) and seven grandchildren CJ, Kaydee, Jack, Eli, Molly, Annie, and Isaac, her bonus sons Greg (Cindy), Brandon (Dolly), Kevin (Maria), grandchildren Kirby, Justin, Brandon II, Kelsey, Kiersten, and Kelby, and great-grandchildren Bennett, Owen, Caleb, Emmerson, Waylen, Gideon, Brandon III, and Charlie. She is also survived by her nieces Pam, Kim, and Debbie, her great-nephews David, Michael, and Charlie, and great-niece Jeanne. She is preceded in death by her husband, Al, brother, Jack, and parents, John and Louise.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Visitation with the family will be 10:30-11:00 am Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at Murfreesboro Funeral Home with the funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at 2:00pm Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.