Shirley Jean Watkins

Shirley Jean Watkins, 66, passed away unexpectedly at home on December 30, 2023. Shirley was born in Akron, Ohio on August 13, 1957 to the late Emery and Bessie Schlupe, the second oldest of ten children. Shirley graduated from Stow High School, where she met the love of her life, Russell Watkins at the age of seventeen. They married on March 1, 1980 and raised their family in Randolph Township.
Shirley spent over 25 years as a legal assistant for Attorney Craig Stephens and then retired from the Portage County Clerk of Courts, Probate Division.
Anyone who knew Shirley knew how devoted she was to her family. She was a loving wife and mother and particularly enjoyed spoiling her grandbabies. She loved the holidays, always bringing the magic to Christmas for her family. The beach with her family and friends was her happy place. She was very creative and enjoyed crafting, sewing, and baking in her free time.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her brother, Harry Schlupe, and sister, Donna Howe.
She will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Russell; daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Dave Lang; son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Abbey Watkins; grandchildren, Hayden, Scarlett, and Brooklyn Lang, Kennedy, Lincoln, and Baby Boy Watkins. Shirley also leaves seven brothers and sisters, as well as extended family and friends.
Shirley's family and friends are welcome to celebrate Shirley's life on Sunday, January 21st from 12 to 4 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2697 Waterloo Rd., Mogadore, Ohio 44260.
To share a memory of Shirley or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.