Lorine Ashley Watkins
- Published: December 21, 2023
Lorine Ashley Watkins, 79, of Yellow Springs, Ohio, passed away Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in her residence. She was born June 5, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Monroe Felton Ashley Sr., and Virginia Ethel Ashley. Lorine was the third oldest of six siblings.
Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Wilberforce University and studies toward a master’s in education at the University of Dayton. She began her teaching career as a substitute teacher in the Yellow Springs Schools system, then became the lead teacher at the Miami Child Development Center, Head Start Program in Xenia, Ohio.
In 1970 she began teaching in the Springfield City Schools System, where she spent 34-plus years teaching kindergarten, first grade and Readiness First Reading.
She attended First Baptist Church of Yellow Springs, and was a “Life” and “Silver Star” member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was also a Life Member in both the local and national Wilberforce University Alumni Associations. Her professional growth led her to be a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Education Honors Society.
Lorine is survived by her husband of 58 years, Thomas E. Watkins Sr.; two sons, Thomas E. Watkins Jr. (Vanessa), of Riverdale, Georgia, and DuShaun L. Watkins (Brette), of College Park, Georgia; sisters LaVerne Holmes, of Macedonia, Ohio, Sherran Cephus (Billy), of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and Rose Embry (John), of Shaker Heights, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Service was held on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at First Baptist Church, 600 Dayton St., Yellow Springs, Ohio, with the Rev. William Randolph officiating and the Rev Dr. John E. Freeman eulogist. Interment at Glen Forest Cemetery, Yellow Springs, Ohio. Arrangements entrusted to Marlan Gary Funeral Home Springfield Chapel. You may send your condolences to Thechapelofpeace.com
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