Donna L. Watkins, 74, of Francisco, passed away Monday, September 5, 2022, at the Linda E. White Hospice in Evansville Indiana. The daughter of Frank W. and Ada B. (Ennes) Watkins was born, April 16, 1948 in Princeton. Her parents and her sister, Terry Jean Watkins preceded her in death. Donna had retired to her family’s farm after a very successful career in education.
She graduated from Indiana University and taught Latin and English in Wabash, Indiana before coming to Hinsdale Central H. S. in Illinois. At Central she taught Latin and Etymology and became World Languages Department Chair. She was a legend in the annual Illinois High School Association Latin Tournament having a student of hers win “first in State” in each of fourteen years. In the annual Latin Examination sponsored by the American Classical League, no Latin teacher in Illinois has had more students attain a perfect score—65 students in all. Donna also coached Scholastic Bowl championship teams that consistently placed first in Sectional and Conference titles, also winning a first in State competition. She was honored by the Illinois State Board of Education with its “Those Who Excel” award for individuals who have made significant contributions to the state’s public schools. In 2007 Donna Watkins was inducted into the Hinsdale Central Foundation Hall of Fame.
During retirement she devoted time to a wide variety of favorite activities from reading and quilting to being an officer in the Pike County Bird Hunters Club. Her family had been active in the breeding of championship English Setter dogs for many years.
Donna is survived by cousins, David Watkins of Francisco, Donald Watkins of Elizabethton, TN, Billie Joy Gendren of Francisco, Linda Klingerman of South Bend, Mary Janice Wildt of Francisco, Judy Foust of Petersburg, Jean Pauley of Princeton and Jack Steelman of Patoka; special friend, Isabel Homoly; and several other cousins, family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10 am on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton. Burial will follow at Atkinson Chapel Cemetery in Oatsville. Visitation will be from 9 am until the hour of service on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial remembrance contributions should be sent to the Linda E. White Hospice House, 611 Harriet St., Evansville, IN 47710 or a charity involved in cancer research. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.
Condolences may be offered at www.colvinfuneralhome.com. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve Donna’s family.
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