Obituary of Barbara Camille Cooper Watkins

Barbara Camille Cooper Watkins, also lovingly known as Babs, "BW" and Baboo, passed away peacefully at home on February 27, 2016 with family and beloved friends by her side. Babs was born November 22, 1932 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Homer Van Cooper and Eunice Hudson Cooper. She was graduated from C.E. Byrd High School where she made many life-long friends. She was married to Mason Martin Watkins on January 17, 1952 and they eventually settled in Houston in 1963. Babs was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her sister Martha Ann Cooper Wray, and granddaughter, Camille Cooper Watkins. Babs was a respected interior designer. She owned several antique and design businesses throughout the years, often with partners who became lifelong friends. Her most enduring collaboration was established in 1995 and continues today. Babs' distinctive and elegant style, in both her dress and her interiors, is unmatched. Most importantly, her joyful soul and infectious laugh left an indelible mark on the hearts of all that knew her. Babs was devoted to her family and friends. She is survived by her son Mason M. Watkins, Jr., daughter Julie Watkins Baker and husband Paul Heim; daughter Anne Watkins Redding and husband Ray Redding; grandchildren Haloise Hudson Redding, Emily Baker Ries and husband Keith, Raymond P'Pool Redding, Jr., Annie Baker McDonald and husband Andrew, Cooper Mason Watkins, and Rachel Camille Redding; a great-granddaughter, Eloise Watkins Ries. She is also survived by her niece Anita Wray White and children John, Liz, Babs and Jim White, as well as lifelong friend Connie Robertson Tarver and her family. A memorial celebration will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 3816 Bellaire Blvd. in Houston on Saturday, March 5th at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Babs' honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Houston Hospice or the charity of your choice. The family would like to recognize and thank Ms. Katie Walker for her love and care for over 30 years. We express our thanks and gratitude to the wonderful women who cared for and loved Babs during these past five years: Lana Girdy, Shanda Ireland, Valencia Hanks, Faye Bazile, Jessie Thompson, Marsha Joyner and Myrtis Williams. Also our sincere thanks to the doctors of Baylor Geriatrics and the team at Houston Hospice. And to all the dear friends who are too numerous to name, we love you.