Debbie "Deb" Lynn Watkins

In Loving Memory of Debbie Lynn Watkins

Debbie Lynn Watkins, 66, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025 after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. She was surrounded by her devoted husband and loving family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 2:00-5:00pm, at The Legacy Center at Murdoch-Linwood in Cedar Rapids. All who knew and loved Debbie are welcome to join us in honoring her life and memory.

Debbie was born on October 13, 1958, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Carol Miller and Lyle Morris. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1976. On July 2, 1977, she married the love of her life, Clyde (Skip) Watkins in Toddville, Iowa. Together, they built a life filled with love, welcoming two sons, Jay in 1982 and Eric in 1990. Debbie’s greatest joy in life was being a mother. Her love for Jay and Eric was unwavering – she lived for them, supported them fiercely, and cherished every moment as their mom. She volunteered as a Cub Scout leader, always showing up for their passions and pursuits with pride and enthusiasm.

She embraced her daughters-in law, Cassie and Samantha, with open arms and a full heart, and found immense joy in her role as “Nanny” to three adoring grandchildren; Caylee, Owen and Noah. Her nurturing spirit extended to all who knew her, especially her beloved cat, Stella, who rarely left her side and brought her comfort through every season of life. Debbie’s legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the love she gave so strongly, and the memories that will continue to bring comfort and joy.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Clyde “Skip”; her sons Jay (Cassie) Watkins of Martelle, Iowa, and Eric (Samantha) Watkins of Marion, Iowa; her grandchildren, Caylee, Owen and Noah Watkins; her mother Carol Frazier of Marshfield, Missouri; her sisters Donna (Dan) Mahoney of Elkland, Missouri and Kim Smith of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her brother Barry (Donna) Morris of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her brother-in-law Charlie (CheChe) Watkins of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her sisters-in-law, Clara (Ron) Schanbacher of Newhall, Iowa, Candy Woods of Sun City, Ariz, and Connie Hoffman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and her mother-in-law Sandy Madison of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her father Lyle Morris; brothers Eddie Morris and Kevin Smith; sister-in-law Kristine ‘Kris’ Watkins; and stepfather Richard Frazier.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Stephanie at UnityPoint Hospice and to the compassionate nurses and staff who cared for Debbie in her final days. Your kindness and support will never be forgotten.

Memorials may be directed to Unity Point Hospice in Cedar Rapids.