Sydney "Syd" Anne Watkins

Sydney "Syd" Anne Witt Whaley Watkins, a lifelong resident of Knoxville, passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the age of 92 in a local health care facility.  Sydney was a 1950 graduate of Central High School and a longtime realtor with RE/MAX Preferred Properties.  While with RE/MAX she received the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and the 100 Percent Club recognition, and the RE/MAX Adward of Excellence.  She loved her job especially because it gave her the opportunity to help people and make many new friends.  Syd was a true leader in everything she did and won many awards throughout her career.  Syd loved people and unselfishly devoted much of her time to charities and community and nonprofit organizations over the years.  Syd unselfishly spent countless hours of her time to promote awareness, serve in many capacities and raise funds to further those organizations.  Several of those organizations that Syd assisted was the General Federation of Women's Clubs, Knoxville City Association of Women's Club, Central High School Alumni Association, The Barbara Keating Gardens, the American Cancer Society, Columbus Home, Cerebral Palsy Center, Volunteer at St. Mary's Medical Center, Easter Seal Society, Dogwood Arts Festival, North Knoxville Sertoma Club, Fountain City Republican Club, Travelers Aid Society, Arthritis Foundation, Greater Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Greater Knoxville, Keep Knoxville Beautiful, American Heart Association, and the James White Fort Association.  Some of the Past Honors Syd received was the Fountain City Woman of the Year, Knoxville Womans Club Woman of the year, American Cancer Society Woman of the year, Miss KWC, Sertoma GEM Adward, and the Outstanding Service Award-American Cancer Society to just name a few.  Member of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church and the Doane Connect Group.  Most of all, Syd loved spending time with her family and many friends.  Syd was preceded in death by her parents Ruby Claudia and Carlos Raymond Witt, Sr.; brothers Carlos Raymond Witt, Jr. and James (Bud) Harold Witt; sons Mitchell Glenn Whaley and Gregory Whaley; grandson Cory Whaley; first husband Glenn Whaley ; and her husband Robert (Bob) Watkins.  She is survived by her sister Jeanne West; brothers Ben (Elaine) Witt and Bill (Judy) Witt; grandson Kelson Edwards, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.    The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff at Trinity Hills of Knoxville for all of the love and care they have shown toward Syd and her family, and to Covenant Homecare and Hospice for their professional and caring service.  A special thanks to Kelly for her loving care and to the many who visited Syd during these last few months including Kent, Shirley, Kristie and Mary.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2025 At Mynatt Funeral Home, Fountain City Chapel followed by a 4:00 p.m. Celebration of Life Service, Rev. Kent Williams officiating.    Family and friends will meet 12:45 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2025 at Lynnhurst Cemetery for a 1:00 p.m. entombment service.  Condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com.