Joyce B. Watkins

Joyce Blain Watkins died August 19, 2015 in Globe, AZ. She was born July 29, 1934 to Harmon and Veda Coombs Blain. Joyce lived in Globe for most of her life, living for a few years in Mesa, AZ. She worked for many years as a purchasing clerk, executive assistant and company newspaper editor/photographer, retiring from Cities Service Company in 1990. She married George Beneteau in February 1969. Following his death in August 2000, she married Vernon Watkins in May 2006. Joyce was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings throughout her life, including Relief Society President, several teaching roles and working with the youth. She also served an LDS mission in Houston, TX. Her greatest love was serving in the Mesa, AZ Temple, which she did for several years. Joyce had countless friends of all ages who admired her elegance, kindness and grace. She loved nature and being outdoors. Although she loved to travel, her favorite place was her cabin in the Pinal Mountains, where she enjoyed exploring trails, hiking with her dogs, and enjoying her family. She also loved morning walks, sunrises, hiking, reading, swimming, photography and studying the scriptures. Joyce is survived by daughters Claudia Blaine of Walnut Creek, CA and Brenda Blaine of Globe, AZ; grandchildren Noelle (Corban) Christensen of St. George, UT, Mackenzie Ballard of Provo, UT, and grandson Ryan Ballard of Phoenix, AZ; eight great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and special friend, Lisa Gardner (Mark) of Chandler, AZ. She also is survived by her brother George (Alayne) of Tucson, AZ. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and husbands George Beneteau and Vernon Watkins, who died in December 2010. Funeral services will be held at the Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1701 Ensign Street, Globe, AZ at 10 am on Monday, August 24, 2015. A viewing will be held prior to services at 9 am. A viewing will also be held at Lamont Mortuary, 328 South Hill Street, Globe, AZ from 6-8 pm on Sunday, August 23, 2015. The family is grateful to the many friends and caregivers who have been so kind to Joyce. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Faubush Family Care who lovingly served and cared for her.