OAK ISLAND — Schelvia “Sam” Watkins Bennett, 79, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2017, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Wilmington, N.C. She was born May 21, 1937, in Reidsville, N.C.
Her parents were Rufus Holson Watkins and Bessie Mae Knight Watkins. She had three brothers, Rufus H. Watkins Jr., Franklin D. Watkins and William H. Watkins; two sisters, Elizabeth Watkins Taylor and Dorothy Watkins Clymer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Schelvia worked as a secretary for The American Red Cross in Reidsville, N.C. She was a volunteer Girl Scout leader. She then became employed by The Rockingham County Clerk of Courts.
After her husband, Bobby, opened IEM Plastics, she became a bookkeeper for the family business. She retired in 1987 due to health problems.
After her retirement and move to Oak Island, Schelvia, who liked to be called Sam, volunteered at a local women’s shelter thrift shop and enjoyed walking on the beach collecting shells. She had a strong love of animals and spent her last years spoiling and caring for her beloved dogs, Molly B., Starr and Bree.
Schelvia and Bobby were both enthusiastic and talented golfers. They won many tournaments in Reidsville, N.C., Eden, N.C., and the surrounding area. They were local celebrities when Bobby won the Men’s Championship at Pennrose Park Country Club in Reidsville and Schelvia won the Ladies’ Championship at the same time. Articles in local papers proclaimed this a rare occurrence.
Bobby and Schelvia were married Aug. 14, 1954. They had one daughter, Teresa (Terry) Cheryll Bennett; and one granddaughter, Sydney Elisabeth Napier, and her husband, Mark Allen Napier.
The family would like to thank Dr. Terry Pieper and staff, Dr. Domenic Palagruto and staff, Dr. Walter Gajewski and staff, The Dosher Memorial Hospital ER staff and the staff of New Hanover Regional Medical Center. We especially want to send special blessings to the volunteers and staff of The Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Wilmington, N.C., for being the most caring, patient and amazing people we have ever encountered. They truly have been called to their profession.
A memorial service for Bobby and Schelvia will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 27, at Peacock-Newnam and White Funeral and Cremation Service, 1411 North Howe St., Southport.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations to Paws Place, Inc., 3701 East Boiling Spring Road, Winnabow, N.C. 28479.
Online condolences may be made at peacocknewnamwhite.com.