Barbara J. Watkins, age 89, of Joplin, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO. Mrs. Watkins, daughter of the late Charles L and Jane (Collier) Duffy, was born on February 15, 1930 in Dade County, MO. She attended school and grew up in the Greenfield area. She later married John Watkins in Kansas City, MO, he survives. She owned and operated an antique business in Greenfield, MO for several years. She also owned and operated other businesses along with her husband including a radio station in Greenfield, MO and a bed and breakfast in Costa Rica. She was passionate about genealogy, earning the title of family historian after years of researching the Duffy, Wier, and Watkins family history. In addition, she enjoyed history, architecture, especially older homes, and women’s rights.

Survivors include her husband, John Watkins, of Joplin; one son, J. Kirk Watkins; four grandchildren; Shana Watkins, Ryan Watkins, Alex Watkins, and Emily Watkins; three great-grandchildren; Parker Watkins, Jude Watkins, and Archer Watkins-Gillow; two brothers, Donald and Daniel Duffy; along with cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Mark Watkins; two brothers, Robert and Charles Duffy; and one sister, Suzanne Duffy.

Memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. at the Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin.