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Theresa Gail Watkins, 78, of Cabot; passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Baptist Health Center - North Little Rock, North Little Rock. She was born Tuesday, April 8, 1947, at Wellington; to Chester Freeman and Elizabeth Ann McGill Youngblood. Theresa was a woman of strong faith, deep curiosity, and abiding love for her family. She was actively involved in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Jacksonville, Arkansas, as well as the Eastern Star, where she served as Past Worthy Matron. Her faith was central to her life, and she shared it with warmth and openness, bringing light to those around her. A talented and vibrant spirit, Theresa loved to dance, took part in dance contests, and shined as a baton twirler in her younger years. After attending junior college, Theresa earned a degree in accounting and went on to work as an accountant for many years. But those who loved her most know that her real joy was found on the open road trucking across the country and back again with her husband Gary, collecting pieces of tradition everywhere she went. Theresa had a lifelong passion for learning. Smart and driven, she had a unique gift for conversation, her words often making others stop and think. She was deeply passionate about history and politics, and her strong convictions were matched with kindness, sincerity, and openness. She especially loved exploring genealogy, building her family tree, and helping others uncover their own family histories. Raised in a home of chefs, she loved to cook for ALL. From a young age she believed that a meal cooked with love and good intentions could soothe even the deepest of sorrows. Cooking was her way of showing affection, and the table was where she felt bonds were best nurtured. To her, every homemade dish was more than food — it was a gift of comfort, joy and connection. Above all, Theresa treasured her role as a grandmother. The years she spent growing up with her Mawsy and Papaw McGill had her determined to build those same bonds with her own grandchildren, keeping her favorite childhood traditions alive while also creating ones of her own that will pass down for generations of grandchildren to come. She delighted in spending quality time with each of her grandchildren, near or far. Whether it was watching their favorite shows, making trips for coffee, or simply being present with them, it only mattered that they were sharing connection. Her family and friends will remember her as a woman who lived with strength and purpose, a dear confidant that always had advice to offer and filled their lives with joy, wisdom, and love. She is survived by her children, Anthony Freeman Diaz and his wife Lisa of Westminster, Maryland; Vanessa Kaye Hamilton and her husband Jeff of Cabot, Arkansas; Chad Conrad Diaz of Frederick, Maryland; and Debra Danell Holloway and her husband Kendall of Kingston, Arkansas. Her beloved grandchildren are Kyra LeAnn Wren and her husband Jack; Miranda Gayle Casper and her husband Matthew; Kennith Carl David Holloway and his wife Leigh; Tyler Anthony Diaz; Kassandra Kerby McCree Holloway; Madison Ray Diaz; Madilyn Kaye Hamilton; and Lilah Faye Hamilton. They were the pride of her life and brought her immeasurable joy. She was further blessed with great-grandchildren, William Thomas Diaz, Dora Emery Wren, Arya Jaclyn Wren, Kennedy Marie Holloway, and Eleanor Beth Holloway, whose presence filled her later years with light and laughter. Theresa Gail Watkins was the eldest of three children and is survived by her siblings, Debra Youngblood and Tim Youngblood, along with her sister-in-law Vicki Slocum. She also leaves behind numerous loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her Dear Husband, Gary Watkins; by her parents, Elizabeth Ann McGill and Chester Freeman Youngblood, as well as her uncle, Ruben McGill. For ye are all children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:26 The family will receive friends 1:00 PM-2:00 PM, Monday, September 29, 2025, at Brashears Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 2:00 PM. Interment will immediately follow services at Witter Cemetery, Witter, AR. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

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Theresa Gail Watkins

April 8, 1947 - September 18, 2025