Minnie Jane (Watkins) Spurgeon, 89, of Lafayette passed Sunday, July 18, 2021, at IU Health Arnett in Lafayette.

She was born October 29, 1931, in Lafayette to the late Lewis N. and Ethel John (Downs) Watkins. She was a graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School. She married Charles Edward Spurgeon on December 15, 1950, in Lafayette. The two later divorced. Minnie held several jobs throughout her life-time, including, National Homes, GTE Telephone Operator, and visiting home health care.  She was also employed at Lafayette Instrument as an Assembly Technician for Polygraph Machines.

Minnie enjoyed reading, especially the Bible and loved to talk and teach others about the Bible. She served as Choir Director at Church and loved listening to Gospel music.  In her younger years, she played basketball, tennis, and golf, many times with her grandchildren.  She enjoyed watching Korean movies, Purdue Men’s Basketball and Golf.  Her family was her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

She is survived by her daughters, Joyce (Brian) Hicks of Brookston, Karan (Perry) Elliott of Lafayette; 7 grandchildren, Tracy (Jamie) Davis of Clarks Hill, Dennis W. (Denise) Jennings of Grand Forks, N.D., Venus Fidler of Brookston, Dave M. (Sharon) McLochlin of Battle Ground, Craig (Amanda) McLochlin of West Lafayette, CJ (Tammi) Mathers of Lafayette, and Tom (Erin) McLochlin of Monticello; 20 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Myrtle Garrison of AL.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a great-great-grandson; 11 siblings, Homer Watkins, Thelma Funk, Elwood Watkins, Henry Watkins, Norwood Watkins, Agnes Watkins, Glyda Snyder, Neva Watkins, Marie Mourning, and Joseph Watkins.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Minnie’s name may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.

A Graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Battle Ground Cemetery in Battle Ground.