Martha Bourland
Posted: February 2, 2019
ABERDEEN — Martha Evelyn Rye Watkins Bourland, 94, died Jan. 26, 2019. Mrs. Bourland was born April 26, 1924, in the Hamilton Community, to the late Luna Jane Ritter Rye and Amos Gaither Rye. Celebration of Life services will be from 2-4 p.m. April 6, 2019, at the Watkins family home. A private graveside services was held Jan. 28. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert McCluney Watkins. She was a graduate of Aberdeen High School and Bowling Green Business College. She was formerly employed with Gulf Ordinance Plant, the Aberdeen Examiner and as a receptionist for Dr. Dickson. She was a past president for the Mississippi DAR Chapter Regents Association and a member of First Baptist Church and attended First United Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband, Leroy Clinton Bourland; children, Robert McCluney Watkins Jr. of Starkville, Martha Jane Gilkes Antigua, W.I. and William Richard Watkins, both of Columbus; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.