Mrs. Florence M. "Flo" (Watkins) Barksdale

Mrs. Florence M. (Watkins) Barksdale, age 59, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family at her side. Born in Camden, NY on May 7, 1955, Florence was the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Wentworth) Watkins. On August 28, 1989 she married Daniel P. “Danny” Barksdale with whom she shared a loving marriage and many happy days during their 25 year union. Florence worked at various local businesses including Hess Gas Station, Sears & Roebuck, and Walmart. She was a genuinely kind person with a compassionate heart. She loved children and formed a special relationship and unique bond with each of them. She was a cool playmate, often getting down on the floor and playing with the kids at their level. She loved her family and was a very supportive part of their lives. She was proud and honored being a mom and having a loving husband. She was also a wonderful friend, loyal, dependable, and an all-around good person. Flo’s favorite mission was getting everyone together to celebrate Christmas and special family occasions; being surrounded by her loved ones was so important to her. She was a seasoned cook and devilled eggs were her specialty. Her secret spice, Buck’s Seasoning, was infused into every recipe she made. She had a creative eye for arts and crafts, and she handcrafted many ceramic pieces that she shared with those she loved. Florence is survived by her husband, Danny; her daughter, Domenica “Nikki” Fernandez; her sons and daughter-in-law, Anthony and Jennifer Todd, and Jason Todd; and numerous grandchildren. She will also be missed by her sisters, Donna Loomis, Molly Coonrod, Mary Everett, Rosie Watkins, Colleen Stanek, and Margaret Hart; her brothers, Joseph Watkins, Albert Watkins, Marty Richlin, Richard Richlin, and Michael Richlin; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her brothers-in-law who reside in Massachusetts. She also leaves her “b.b.f.”, Becky Foster and her husband, Leland. She was predeceased by her sister, Hazel M. Nunziata; and her brothers, William Watkins, John Watkins, and William Richlin. The family extends sincere appreciation to the physicians and nurses at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center ICCU and ICOU; Dr. Anwar Wassel, Dr. Quazi Islam, and Ramzi Nassif for their professional care and guidance; Carol at the York Street Clinic; and the entire staff of The Pines at Utica who were so kind, especially Lisa, Candy, Sara, and Kate, in providing such loving care to Flo during her stay. Visitation will be held Saturday (March 21st) from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Flo’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Pastor Sam Luce officiating the ceremony.

Mrs. Florence M. "Flo" (Watkins) Barksdale

May 7, 1955 - March 12, 2015