Dorothy (James) Watkins

Dorothy (James) Watkins, Age 93 of Pleasureville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the New Castle Nursing Home with her loving family by her side. Born on Sunday, May 8,1932, she was the daughter of the late Willie Forrest and Christine (Woods) James. Growing up in Bethlehem on James Ridge with her two sisters, they learned at an early age to lean on one another and continued to remain close. A Pleasureville Bulldog cheerleader, she proudly graduated from Pleasureville High School in 1950. That same year, she married her love, Marion Glenn Watkins, who preceded her in death on October 27, 1988. A longtime and faithful member of Pleasureville United Methodist Church for nearly 75 years, Dorothy’s belief in Jesus Christ was a cornerstone in her life. Dorothy was a dedicated employee and bookkeeper for the Western District Tobacco Warehouse in Shelbyville for over 50 years. Upon her retirement, she strived to live life to the fullest and found one of those ways through Toby Tours. She organized and planned countless trips throughout the years, traveling to every state in the country but one. She and her friends gathered often, sharing meals and of course, playing cards. A game of Rook or a crossword puzzle was never too far in the future. Throughout the years, she enjoyed crafting, sewing, quilting, collecting treasures and tending to her flowers in the yard. Affectionately known as “Grandmother” to many, she took pride in the title and adored her grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than seeing her family thrive. Nathan, Brennen, and Brady were the light of her life. A lady of great class and charm, Dorothy was always dressed in style, with her immaculate white hair and red lipstick, but her outer appearance never outshined her inner beauty. Her kind and gentle spirit touched the hearts of her many friends and neighbors throughout the community, greeting them all with a loving smile.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Peniston (Lloyd) of New Castle; grandsons, Nathan Peniston (Anna) of Mount Sterling and Brennen Peniston of New Castle; great-grandson Brady Peniston; bonus great-grandsons, Jacob Gumm, Zachary Gumm, and Ryan Gumm (Kennedy); sisters, Frances Downey of Louisville, and Elizabeth Hinton (Alfred) of Louisville; brother-in-law, Julian Watkins (Lou) of Louisville.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 AM on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Beckley Funeral Home with Reverend Corky Klingenfus Officiating. Reverend Mike Napier and Reverend Jesse Landers will assist. Visitation will be held from 1 PM until 6 PM on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the funeral home and from 10 AM until the time of service on Monday. Interment will be at Pleasureville Cemetery. To honor Dorothy’s life and her time at Twin Oaks Assisted Living, memorial contributions may be made to the Second Wind Dreams Foundation, 1273 Campbellsburg Road, New Castle, Kentucky 40050 or to the Pleasureville United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 116, Pleasureville, Kentucky 40057. With care and professionalism, arrangements are under the direction of Beckley Funeral Home.