Ms. Sherlynn Watkins 65, of Gastonia, NC, departed this life on Monday, February 17, 2025 at Atrium Main.

Sherlynn Watkins, known as Sherlyn, was born to the late Linwood and Annie Watkins on November 7, 1959, in Newark, NJ. She was the granddaughter of the late Will Freeman Watkins and Rosanna Ellerbe, who resided in Richmond County, NC, and the late Robert Harris and Ethel Beaty. She transitioned to be in the presence of the Lord at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center on Monday, February 17, 2025.

Sherlynn's early years were filled with warmth of family, as her parents frequently traveled back to Richmond County, NC, to visit family where deep roots and strong connections were nurtured. Sherlyn and her family were devoted members of Lily of the Valley Missionary Baptist Church in Newark, NJ she carried faith in her heart throughout her life. In 1977, Sherlyn graduated from Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark, NJ. After graduation, she briefly worked for the Newark Central Youth and Family Services.

In April of 1979, Sherlyn welcomed her first daughter, Ayesha Watkins, in Newark, NJ, and in November of 1989 a decade later, she welcomed her second daughter, Jameelah Watkins Paschal.

Sherlyn Watkins battled with mental illness during her adult life, with episodes and frequent hospital visits to help manage her illness. Despite facing challenges with mental illness, Sherlyn demonstrated remarkable resilience. She built a strong village for herself and her daughters, raising Ayesha in Newark and then relocating to Washington, NJ, to create a supportive community for Jameelah. In addition, her family shared that Sherlynn loved playing BINGO.

While Sherlynn's private prayers may remain unknown, the impact of prayer may be visible in the outcomes we witness. In December of 2024, she had the opportunity to celebrate her last Christmas together with her two daughters and son-in-law, her grandchildren, and other extended family members. Prior to her transition, she may have received peace in knowing that Jameelah would continue to experience love, care, and reside with her sister's loving and supportive family. Lastly, as she transitioned to be with the Lord, she was surrounded by her family. As she traveled to North Carolina in December of 2024, a statement was shared, "Sherlynn, go ahead and get some sleep while we are on the road," and she replied, "I can't, I don't want to miss anything", as she continued to look out the window headed south.  As this New Jersey-born native returned to her roots in North Carolina, we can only imagine the cherished memories that filled her heart.

Sherlyn was preceded in death by her sister, Annie Mae Jones.

Sherlyn is survived by her two daughters, Ayesha Watkins Smith and her husband Anthony C. Smith of Gastonia, NC; Jameelah Watkins Paschal of Gastonia, NC; two granddaughters Rhema T. Smith and Zoe R. Smith of Gastonia, NC; two nieces, Shonda Jones and Natasha Jones and their families; three great nieces, Asia, Brittany, and L'Chonda and one great nephew Sharod, their children  and a host of cousins and family members.