Shirley Jarmon

The realization of God’s love for us, and the awakening of our love for Him leads us to true love and appreciation for the people around us—specially for God, family and those we encounter on a daily basis. Shirley Ann Watkins Jarmon understood and practiced this love, and her special acts of love to people are our guarantee of her heavenly reward. We will continue to eat fruit from the garden that Shirley Ann Watkins Jarmon planted.

Shirley was born May 12, 1951, in Mt. Gilead, NC, to the late Frank and Shirley Watkins. As the oldest daughter, she embodied the motherly instincts of love and compassion to her 11 siblings and her three children. Like her mother, she became a nurturing presence in the eyes of many people who knew her. 

Shirley attended Rosenwald School in Mt. Gilead and graduated from Ellerbe High School in 1969. Soon afterwards, she briefly relocated to Stamford, CT, but returned to her beloved South in 1974 to raise her three sons, Darryl, Eric, and Maurice.

Over the next 40 years, Shirley found joy in her career with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where she also met her beloved husband, Larry D. Jarmon. They married in 1989 and shared 23 years of love and partnership until his passing in 2012. A faithful woman of God, Shirley served as a deaconess and keeper of the altar at Rockwell AME Zion Church, always ready with a calming prayer and fresh insight from above. She had a deep love for her family—her sons, grandchildren, siblings, and extended loved ones—reveling in their joys and successes and showing up to support them in every way. Shirley was also a cook’s cook, known for her legendary macaroni and cheese. She found great joy in providing food and fellowship to those she cherished. Whether tending to her garden, creating beautiful floral arrangements, or decorating her home for every season, she poured love into everything she did.

Shirley departed this life on January 31, 2025, and as we celebrate her life on earth, we rejoice in knowing that she is resting in the arms of Jesus. Celebrating her memory today are her sons: Darryl Bernard (Lynn), Eric DeVaughn, and Antonio Maurice Horton. Grandchildren: Ellis Horton, Lyric Gabrielle Morton and Danielle Alexandria Morton, Ebony Ivey McDonald (Justin), Maiah Duke, Jaylon McClinton, and two great-grandchildren, Makiah Jean Horton and Daxton Kai McDonald. Her 11 siblings: Franklin Watkins, Alexander Watkins (Marion), Barbara Rush (Thomas), Beverly Hunt (Raymon), Carlton Watkins, Jennifer Armstrong (Sanders), Janice Patton (Nathaniel), Rev. Donald Watkins, Jeffrey Watkins (Patricia), Cleisha Stancil (Donald), Tamala Watkins, one aunt, Katie Gibson; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Airy AME Zion. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. 

Shirley’s Favorite Scripture:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)

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