Jewell Watkins Anderson

Jewell Watkins Anderson passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was preceded in death by her husband, George A. Anderson.

Born in the mountain town of Bryson City, North Carolina to James Lawrence Watkins and Mary Jenkins Watkins. Jewell came into this world on January 30, 1940, as the youngest of her siblings. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Life shaped Jewell into a woman of remarkable work ethic and dedication. She began her career as a waitress at Simmon’s Truck Stop, currently known as Sav-U-Time. From 1994 until her retirement in 2020, she worked at Sheldon’s Restaurant. Regular customers, some traveling from out of state, would specifically request her section. Her niece, Carolyn Early, who worked alongside her one summer, remembers “Aunt Jewell” as the embodiment of efficiency and warmth—always moving, always smiling, never missing an order, and keeping every coffee cup full while sharing moments of genuine connection with her customers.

True to her mountain roots, Jewell was a force of nature—small in stature but mighty in spirit. She loved fiercely and protected fearlessly. Her temper could flare like summer lightning, but her love ran deeper than mountain springs.

Jewell Watkins Anderson was indeed a diamond—not in the rough, but polished by a fully lived life, shaped by hard work, family devotion, and unwavering strength of character. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

At the center of Jewell’s world was her family. She leaves behind two daughters, Bonnie Fowler (Ray) and Karen Martin (fiancé Tommy); two sons, Ronnie Anderson (Sharon) and Danny Anderson; eight cherished grandchildren, Fay, Georgi, Marcia, Ray, Megan, Michelle, AJ, and Jessica; seven beloved great-grandchildren, Raymond, Matthew, Liam, Colton, Joshua, Makenzie, and Kayden; and a special furry friend, Midnight.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am., Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, with interment to follow in Ash Camp Memorial Cemetery, Keysville. The Reverend Dewey Barker will be officiating. The Family will receive friends at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.