Shirley Gail Stephens Watkins, age 73, of Chapel Hill, NC and formerly of Robeson County passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2020.

Ms. Gail as known by all was born August 4, 1946 in Robeson County to the late Worth Stephens and the late Alene Odom.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Stephens and a sister, Annie Laura McKee.

She leaves to cherish her memories a daughter, Heather Watkins Vaughan and husband Robert of West End, NC; three wonderful grandchildren, Kathryn, Alex and Asa; a great-grandchild, Liam and other family members and friends.

As requested by Gail, there will not be any services. Gail's wishes for us as family and friends was to remember her as she was and for us to move forward as life goes on. She lived a good life and was content in knowing that she had a final resting place awaiting her.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I turned my back and left it all.

To laugh, to live, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way

I found that place at the close of day.

If my passing has left a void, then fill it remembered joy.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much good friends,

good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.