Obituary of Lillian Janice Watkins

Lillian Janice DeHaven Watkins passed away on March 4. A memorial gathering will take place Saturday, March at 10 3 P.M. in the Woodridge Memorial Park & Funeral Home Gazebo 138 Corley Mill Road Lexington. Janice, the daughter of the late William M. and Lillian B. Council DeHaven, was born August 14, 1942 in Petersburg, VA. She was a resident of Waverly, VA before moving to Columbia, SC. She was a graduate of Columbia High School and received certificates for coursework from Pennsylvania State University, Brigham Young University and Midlands Technical College. She was self-employed. A woman of many talents, Janice was an accomplished free-lance writer whose work appeared in numerous publications and she received awards for her poetry. She was an avid gardener, winning awards for her flowers and floral arrangements from the Mid-Carolina Camellia Society, Iris Society, and the South Carolina State Fair. Janice also volunteered for the YWCA and as a docent at McKissick Museum, where she was a charter member. She was a member of Shhhh: Self Help for the Hard of Hearing and the Doll House Club. Ever curious, Janice was a voracious reader, often reading several books simultaneously. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing the piano and dancing. A supporter of many animal-based charities, she had a soft spot in her heart for all animals and her longtime pet companions, Tiny, Cheri and Monique, gave her much joy. Her quick wit, compassion, selflessness and loyalty endeared Janice to many. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Janet W. and Charles E. ?Chuck? Obenshain, of Columbia; brothers, William Martin ?Marty? DeHaven, Jr. and Hubert Thomas DeHaven, both of North Carolina. She was preceded in death by a sister, Billie Zena DeHaven. She was formerly married to Bobby C. Watkins of West Columbia. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of South Carolina, 121 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209.