Mrs. Stella Watkins Dickens, age 80, of Lillington, died Monday, August 16, 2010 at home. She was born in Duplin County, the daughter of the late Samuel Jeffrey and Maude Bridgers Watkins. Mrs. Dickens retired from Eaton Corporation in Sanford after many years of service. She was a member and Sunday school teacher of Antioch Baptist Church. She was also a member and secretary of the Happy Travelers. Mrs. Dickens was preceded in death by her husband, Mack Dickens; brother, Kenneth Watkins and sister, Florence Westmoreland.

The family will receive friends Wednesday August 18, 2010 from 6-8 p.m. at O'Quinn-Peebles Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place at Antioch Baptist Church Thursday August 19, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. V. Martin Groover officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Stella is survived by her sons, Mack Belvin Dickens of Lillington and Roy Lee Dickens of Lillington; daughter, Marjorie Thomas and husband John "Buddy" of Lillington; grandchildren, Malinda Holder, Terry Lynn Dickens, Troy Lynn Dickens, Lisa Marie FitzGibbon; 7 great-grandchildren; brother, David Watkins of Lillington; sisters, Frances Murray of Lillington, and Sybil Sherman of Broadway.

Memorials can be made to Happy Travelers in care of Antioch Baptist Church, PO Box 525, Mamers, NC 27552


The family will receive friends Wednesday August 18, 2010 from 6-8 p.m. at O'Quinn-Peebles Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place at Antioch Baptist Church Thursday August 19, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. V. Martin Groover officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.