Grace M. Watkins, age 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Newport News, Virginia. Born on November 25, 1930, in Leeds, South Dakota, Grace lived a full and vibrant life, majorly in Iowa, marked by resilience, devotion to family, and a joyful spirit that touched all who knew her.
Grace was the beloved daughter of Perry F. Amussen and Grace Emiline Crane-Amussen. She was one of eight siblings and shared deep bonds with each of them throughout their lives: Herold Eugene Amussen (Bryant), Alda Adeline Fenley Amussen, Donald Perry Amussen, Vera Vesta Mae Wright (Amussen), Ellen Rose Wiessman (Amussen), Roland Egger (born Amussen), and Ruth Ann Egger (born Amussen). Though all of her siblings preceded her in death, their memories remained close to her heart.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: son Dennis Jurgensen and daughter Connie Wagner. Grace was a devoted mother and an unwavering source of strength and support for her family. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren – John Jurgensen, Michael Jurgensen, Matthew Jurgensen, Marvin Wagner Jr., Joseph Wagner, and Angelica Perez – and great-grandchildren Cyrus Rovinsky, Alaina Wagner, and Corbin Wagner.
Grace had a remarkable zest for life that she expressed through her passions and hobbies. A gifted gardener with an extraordinary green thumb, she found joy in nurturing life from the soil. Her love for classic Westerns and black-and-white sitcoms brought her comfort and entertainment over the years. One of her most cherished pastimes was bowling; she remained active in a senior bowling league until the age of 90. Her teammates affectionately nicknamed her “Amazing Grace,” a title that captured both her skill on the lanes and the enduring spirit she carried through life.
That nickname has taken on new meaning for those who loved her. Now, when storms roll in, and thunder echoes across the sky, her family imagines Grace bowling in Heaven – each rumble a ball rolling down the lane, each flash of lightning a strike made by Amazing Grace.
Grace’s favorite color was yellow – a hue that perfectly reflected her nature: bright, optimistic, energetic. She embodied these qualities daily as a caregiver and confident to those around her. Whether offering a listening ear or lending a helping hand, she was always present for her children and grandchildren. Her emotional and physical strength served as an anchor for her family through every season of life.
As we say farewell to Grace M. Watkins, we remember her as a beacon of light in our lives. Her hard work, unwavering support, and nurturing spirit will forever remain in our hearts. Though she has left this earthly realm, her love and memory will continue to guide and inspire us. We celebrate her life and the incredible impact she had on all who knew her. Rest in peace, Amazing Grace – you will be dearly missed.
A service to celebrate Grace’s life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Peninsula Funeral Home, located at 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia 23601. Attendees are invited to wear traditional funeral attire or honor Grace’s memory by wearing yellow – her favorite color – in celebration of the joy she brought into the world.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Grace’s generous spirit by making a donation to one of the following organizations:
– **Make A Wish Greater Virginia** – Creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses
[Donate Here](https://secure2.wish.org/site/SPageNavigator/dfr_landing.html?chid=067-000)
– **Twilight Wish Foundation** – Honoring deserving elderly through wish-granting celebrations
[Donate Here](https://twilightwish.org/donate/)
– **Plant with Purpose** – Reversing deforestation and poverty by transforming rural communities
[Donate Here](https://plantwithpurpose.org/?form=donate)
– **National Network to End Domestic Violence** – Working toward a world free from violence against women
[Donate Here](https://nnedv.org/donate-now/)
– **Meals on Wheels People** – Supporting seniors with nutritious meals and meaningful connections
