Joyce A. Watkins

Joyce A. Watkins, 85 of Peoria, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, April 5, 2018 in Peoria Heights, IL. She was born May 12, 1932 in Creve Coeur, IL to Charles and Jessie Bell (Butler) Ehrett. She was preceded in death by; her parents; one son, Dr. James 'Jim' Watkins; and three brothers, Gene, Don, and Charles 'Chuck' Ehrett. Joyce is survived by; her significant other, Jerry Watkins of Peoria, one daughter, Jeri-Lynne Foster of Boulder, CO; three granddaughters, Alexis Watkins, Dominique (Matt) Batchelor, MacKenzie (Jon Stoller) Foster; four greatgrandchildren, Ava Sonnemaker, Zoey Sonnemaker, Maya Stoller, and Rayne Stoller; and daughter-in-law, Tatjiana Stream. She was very committed to her Catholic faith and was an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Peoria Heights. She worked in the Human Resources department at the Hotel Pere Marquette in Peoria, IL for 23 years. Jerry and Joyce owned and operated the A&W in Creve Coeur, IL for many years. She was an active volunteer in numerous non-profit charities over the years. Joyce was a professional dancer, taking lessons from Jean Rose Dentino and a WMBD radio kid. She will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her love of the outdoors, gardening, traveling with friends and her favorite restaurant, Steak N Shake. A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory, 2131 Velde Dr., Pekin with the recitation of the Rosary at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Center For Prevention of Abuse, 720 W. Joan CT, Peoria, IL 61614 To leave an online condolence, visit www.hendersonfuneralcare.com