Nellie Faye Mallonee Watkins, longtime Lincoln county and Agra resident, passed away at her home on Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the age of 88 years.

The daughter of the late James Mallonee and Martha Ann Miller Mallonee, Nellie was born on February 23, 1919 in Foxworth, Mississippi and was reared and educated in the Agra area.

She was united in marriage to Ervin Watkins on January 26, 1939, and the couple had lived in the Agra area since that time.

Nellie was a life-long Christian trusting in God and reading her Bible every day. Among other things, she was a wonderful homemaker and cook, enjoyed crocheting, sewing and quilting, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loved being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom she was affectionately known as "Big-Ma".

She is survived by her husband of over 68 years, Ervin of the home; five sons, Ray Watkins and his wife Carol; Joe Watkins and his wife Mary Ann; Max Watkins and his wife Margaret; Danny Watkins and his wife Donna; and Mike Watkins and Wilma Hale; two brothers Ray Mallonee of Anaheim, California; and Ervin Mallonee of Chandler, Oklahoma; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Peggy Sue Watkins; two brothers, Herman and Truman Mallonee and five sisters, Ada Jackson, Iva Rains, Goldie Blankenship, Hazel Walters and Elizabeth Barnes.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the First Baptist Church of Agra with Reverend John Holderread, officiating.

Serving as casket bearers will be Donnie Watkins, Daniel Watkins, Derick Watkins, Chris Watkins, Dustin Watkins and John Watkins, all grandsons.

Burial will follow in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, northwest of Chandler.

The family will greet friends on Monday evening, May 28, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Floyd Family Center, east of the Funeral Home.