Carolyn J. Watkins

Carolyn Joanne Watkins a.k.a “Goonmom,” peacefully departed this life on Oct. 28, 2023, in the presence of her oldest grandson, Richard. Carolyn was born on April 4, 1943, in Chester, PA to Lindsey and Helen “Cookie” Townsend. She was educated in the Chester Upland School District where she developed a deep love for reading. As a young woman, Carolyn gave her life to Christ and received her Christian training at Grace Community United Methodist church, where she enjoyed serving in various capacities, including but not limited to, church treasurer, as well as on the Board of Ordained Ministries. After relocating to Delaware, she would travel and visit various churches, eventually becoming a regular visitor at Greater Hope Christian Fellowship church where she enjoyed the teachings of Pastor Allen Jones. Carolyn’s greatest joy in life was being a mother. She took a lot of pride in her ability to provide for her family and show them there’s more to life than their immediate environment. Carolyn worked at Ship and Shore for a brief period before joining Wyeth Pharmaceuticals where she worked for 35 years, ultimately retiring in 1999. After retirement, Carolyn refused to sit around, instead she joined the team at Dick’s Sporting Goods as one of their most recognized sales associates; she also helped her granddaughters, Raushanah and Orien, get jobs there too. Following a few years of employment at Dick’s, Carolyn found her true niche working as a Foster Grandparent with the New Castle County School District. It wasn’t uncommon for Carolyn to go into work with bags in hand of children’s clothing, toys, and snacks for her students. The love she displayed for her students and their teacher, Mrs. Bullock, was undeniably special and limitless; they were treated just as if they were her own family. Family has been the driving force in Carolyn’s life, rather biological, through circumstance, or happenstance, the love she expressed had no limits. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, her response was always, “A mother,” which also extended to the many foster children she opened her home to. Sundays were meant for family gatherings at Carolyn’s, rather Goonmom’s, as she was so lovingly called, where she’d pour out her kitchen skills and love in meals that not only nourished your body but also nourished your soul. In addition to family, Carolyn was an avid sports fanatic. Her son, adopted sons, and grandsons all were extremely talented in sports, which is a direct result of her love for the game and the countless hours spent on fields and courts. There will never be enough words to describe the impact Carolyn had on her family and community. She will forever be missed. Carolyn is predeceased in death by her father, Lindsey Townsend; Mother, Helen “Cookie” Draughn-Scott; Brothers: Robert Townsend and Daryl Draughn; Sisters: Linda Townsend and Shahedah “Ceedy” Draughn. Carolyn is survived by her husband of 24 years, Johnie Watkins; Children: Delores Selby (Bonus Daughter), Deborah Carter, Michelle Seeney (Rabani), Roselyn Harper, Albert “Tuffin” Seeney; Grandchildren: Richard Seeney, Michael Seeney, Raushanah Peterson, Kamia Epps, Orien Appleby (Thomas), Shaneeka Stuart, Larriff Seeney, Devon Seeney, Kayla Seeney, Kenya Seeney, Brian Selby, and Janien Selby; 12 adored Great-Grandchildren; Brothers: Shawn Draughn (Annette), Michael Draughn (Ros), Douglas Draughn (Anita), and Eustace “Buddy” Davis (Dia); Sisters: Darla Saleem (Anwar Seleem), Elizabeth “Tiny” Davis, and Arnell Davis.

Carolyn J. Watkins

April 4, 1943 - October 28, 2023