1937

Emily Watkins was born on 18 Sep 1937 in Lee, South Carolina, USA a child of Eddie Lee Watkins and Emmie Moise Pate Watkins.

2022

Emily Watkins Best died on 02 Dec 2022 in Camden, Kershaw, South Carolina, USA.

Emily Best of Camden, South Carolina | 1937 – 2022 | Obituary

Emily Watkins Best, 85, passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022, after a brief illness.  Born in Lee County, she was a daughter of the late Eddie Lee Watkins and Emmie Moise Pate Watkins.  Surviving are her son, Marvin Watkins “Marty” Best (Susan) of Camden, SC; daughter, Emily Elizabeth “Betty” Best (Cindy Long) of Columbia, SC; three grandchildren, Mary Lindsay Best, Caroline Leslie Best and Cauthen Watkins Best of Camden, SC; and many other special nieces and nephews.

An active member of Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church in Camden, South Carolina, she became fondly known as “Miss Mimi” during Wonderful Wednesdays where she assisted with the children’s and cherub choirs.  She was a member of the Friendly Inquirer Sunday School class, speaking often of its many talented teachers, inspiring lessons, and warm gatherings.

Emily enjoyed a long career in banking that spanned over 40 years where she loved serving people.  She went to work at the Bethune branch of the First National Bank of Camden as secretary to a vice president on March 4, 1957.  The next year it merged with South Carolina National Bank.  A group of local citizens bought the bank the following year and named it The Bank of Bethune.  Emily was promoted to cashier in 1970, named to the board of directors in 1972, and promoted to executive vice president in 1975, the same year the bank was sold to a different group of investors.  She was named the bank’s President in 1980, becoming the first woman bank president in the state of South Carolina. The bank’s name was later changed to Sandhills Bank in October 1984.

In addition to her parents, Emily was predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Leslie Marvin Best, Jr., four sisters and four brothers.

The family would like to thank the administration, staff, and residents at The Colonial at Old Camden. Over the last three years, these wonderful people became her extended family.  The family would also like to thank the physicians and care providers at Kershaw Health for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church, 1206 Lyttleton Strett, Camden, SC.  Bishop Gary Rivas will officiate. The family will receive friends Monday, December 5, 2022, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Kornegay Funeral Home, 1112 Fair Street, Camden, SC.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church, 1206 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC 29020.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial Service

Tuesday, December 6, 2022
11:00 AM
Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church
1206 Lyttleton Street
Camden, SC 29020