Deartra Watkins Obituary

Deartra Watkins, daughter of William Missouri and Clarkie Seward was born on March 10, 1973, in Camden, South Carolina. As a child, she was quiet and reserved. Deartra attended Camden High School. While in chorus, she developed her talent for singing and participated in talent shows. She was also into the arts and developed an interest for drawing and decorating. Deartra had a beautiful, anointed voice that touched many people.

She later obtained her CNA license in nursing and worked as a private caregiver in healthcare. She influenced many people. After home healthcare, she worked for the Kershaw County school district.

After she got married, during her young adult years, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and realized the importance of having a personal relationship with God. She dedicated her life to serving the Lord by using her gift of singing and ministering to the youth. She was a member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church. While attending Saint Paul, she served as a children and youth coordinator leading the children and youth choir, organizing events for the children and fundraisers, while also teaching Vacation Bible School. She also attended Gaines Baptist Church, where she was a leader of the children and youth choir. She felt it was her purpose to serve God by leading the children to Him. She also felt it her mission that people knew how to receive salvation and her main concern was that people would know how easy it is to be saved; to believe, accept and confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. She not only taught others about God by her beautiful singing voice but also by her walk with God. Through many trials and difficulties in life, she served God and lived her life to fullest. She always put others before herself and was loving and kind to everyone. 

On Thursday, April 10th, 2025, Deartra went home to be with the Lord. Her legacy continues to live on through her family and friends. 

Deartra Watkins was survived by her husband, Edwin Watkins; three daughters and two sons, Deanna (Jerrod) Blakley, Zebulun Belton, Ariel Belton, Johnna (Taylor Howell) Belton, and Zaurious Belton; grandchildren, Finley O’Connell, Sailor Evans, Sky Howell, Eli Howell, Ryn Howell, and Mia Howell; mother, Clarkie Seward and father, William Missouri; three sisters, Jessica Seward, Cheree (Michael) Ellison, Tanisha Missouri; two brothers, Lamont Missouri and Travis Missouri. She is also survived by many nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends.   Her memories will be cherished by all who loved and knew her.

Services

Viewing
Sunday, April 20, 2025
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Nelson-Haile Funeral Home
919 Church Street
Camden, SC 29020

Funeral Service
Monday, April 21, 2025
1:00 PM
St. Paul United Methodist Church
511 Knights Hill Road
Camden SC 29020

Interment following funeral service
Monday, April 21, 2025
Cedars Cemetery
701 Campbell Street
Camden, SC 29020