Visitation Information

Barbara E. Watkiss

Passed away on September 28, 2025

The Life and Legacy of Barbara Ellen Watkiss

Sunrise:
Barbara Ellen Watkiss was born Sept 23, 1939, in Chicago IL at Cook County
Hospital in Chicago, Barbara was the second of six children born to Robert and
Beulah Mitchell.

Marriage and Unions:
Barbara married her life-long companion William Alexander Watkiss on
September 6th, 1963, and together became the proud parents of their one son
Marcus Alexander Watkiss.

Her Life:
Raised in the Chicagoland area, Barbara spent formative years surrounded by
family and friends. Her high school years began at Fenger High School before
transferring to Westcott Vocational (now Simeon High School), graduating in 1959
with a specialty in dressmaking. Her early career included a position at
Montgomery Ward on State Street, but it was her deep sense of compassion that
led her to a life of service. She found her calling in health care beginning at
Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago and later dedicating 32 years of service to
Cook County Hospital, where she touched countless lives with her warmth,
professionalism and unwavering commitment.

Barbara’s love for her family extended to her cherished pets, and she found joy in
traveling with friends and her baby sister Sheila. Her faith was the cornerstone of
her life. A devoted member of the First Full Gospel Spiritual Church under
Reverend David Fletcher, Barbara served faithfully in the choir and lived her life as
a testament to her deep love for God.
Barbara’s legacy is one of compassion, devotion, and quiet strength. Her presence

Sunset:
On September 28th , 2025, her Spirit was called home and returned to her heavenly
father, God with her earthly assignment stamped complete at 1:20 am at Palos
Heights Hospital in Palos Heights IL. She is survived by her devoted husband and
life partner of 62 years, William Watkiss; her loving brother Thomas Mitchell; her
son Marcus Watkiss (Cassandra); her nephew/son, David Jones; her daughter
blended in love, Marshon Davies-Booth; grandsons Jeffery DeShaun McCoy and
Alexander Emil Watkiss; granddaughter Aaliyah Booth; and great-granddaughter
Gwendolyn Nicole McCoy. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews,
great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-greats, along with many extended family
members and lifelong friends who will miss her dearly.