Irene Watkins Center, age 92 of Blue Ridge, GA passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024. She was born on October 19, 1931, in Blue Ridge, GA to the late Joseph Dixie Watkins and Bertha Rebecca Shook Watkins. Irene was a faithful member of Cherry Log Baptist Church for eighty years. She was a member and Past Worthy Matron of the former Beulah Chapter #21 of the Order of the Eastern Star. Irene loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved growing a garden, canning and preparing the vegetables. Irene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Curtis Hayden Center; brothers, Sgt. Major Willard Watkins and Harold Watkins; and sisters, Mary Watkins Conner and Hazel Watkins Plemmons.

Survivors are her daughter, Alice Center Griggs of Blue Ridge, GA; grandchildren, Joshua (Katrina) Griggs of Cherokee Hills, TN, Caleb (Ashlee) Griggs of Blue Ridge, GA and Noah (Amy) Griggs of Louisville, KY and great-grandchildren, Lynleigh Griggs, Tucker Griggs, Ellie Griggs and John Griggs.

Funeral services were conducted on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. from the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Scott Baugh and Rev. Larry Russell officiating. Music was by Rev. Doug Simonds and Becky Harris. Interment followed in the Chastain Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Josh Griggs, Caleb Griggs, Noah Griggs, Joe Griggs, Tucker Griggs, Ellie Griggs, Joe Plemmons and Kenny Queen.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.