Diana Lynn (Carthen) Watkins

Funeral Service for Mrs. Diana Lynn Carthen Watkins, 57, of Decatur, AL will be noon Saturday at Macedonia C.P. Church with the Reverend Daryl Watkins officiating.  Mrs. Watkins transitioned on December 29, 2024, at the Huntsville Hospital. There will be no public viewing.

Minister Diana Lynn Watkins, a beloved minister, educator, mentor, and matriarch, transitioned peacefully on December 29, 2024. Her life was a testament to unwavering faith, academic excellence, and service to her family and community. Diana Carthen was born on February 12, 1967, in Decatur, Alabama, to the late Anna Louise Bailey and the late Dan Carthen. She graduated from DeVibliss High School in Toledo, Ohio, in 1985. Her passion for education led her to pursue higher education at the University of Toledo from 1985 to 1987 studying business and accounting. She went on to earn her cosmetology certificate in 1993. She later graduated from J.F. Drake State College in 2022, earning her Master Cosmetologist/Manager Degree. Minister Watkins accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and was called to ministry at the age of 39. Answering God’s call to ministry, Diana enrolled at Huntsville Bible College in Huntsville Alabama. She began her ministry under the pastorate of Pastor Patrick Franklin at Sand Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama. She later joined St. Peter Missionary Baptist church under the pastorate of Pastor Jerry Baker until her death. In addition to her ministerial work, Minister Watkins was a Sunday School teacher and counselor. Her ministry was characterized by powerful preaching, heartfelt compassion, and her ability to connect deeply with people from all walks of life. She was a mentor to many young women, empowering them to pursue their dreams while remaining grounded in their faith. Minister Watkins professional an affiliation included being the proud business owner of All 4 God’s Glory Family Salon and Mobile Service in Decatur, Alabama. In her salon, Diana provided more than hairstyling—she created a space of empowerment and encouragement, often offering her clients spiritual guidance and prayer. Her dual careers as a Minister and Cosmetologist exemplified her belief that God could be glorified in every aspect of life. Beyond her professional achievements, Diana was passionate about living a balanced and purpose-driven life. Her hobbies included spending quality time with her children and grandchildren, traveling, working out, and reading and meditating on God’s word. She believed in the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual health, often encouraging others to do the same. Minister Watkins was preceded in death by her mother, father, and grandparents. Diana leaves to cherish her loving and devoted husband, Daryl Watkins; two daughters, Diana Franklin and Adrianne Franklin; three sons, Donald Gibbon, Frank Franklin IV, and Phillip Franklin; three bonus sons, Daryl Watkins, Jr., Darell Watkins, and De’El Watkins; three bonus daughters, Jazzelyn Collins, Courtney James, and Kasey Cowan; six granddaughters, Dawn Gibbon, Richland Gibbon, Peyton Harris, Aubree Franklin Jones ,Jakhia Franklin, and Alivia Franklin;  five grandsons, DeMarcus Hampton, Frank Franklin V, Julius Franklin, Landen Franklin, and Quinton Owens;
eight sisters, Amelia Gibbon, Merisa Parker (Je), Tinola Teague (Michael), Demetrius Battle, Joyce Peoples (James), Doris Smith, Angela Malone, and Odell Washington (Felix); two sisters-in-love, Beronica Goodwin, and Diamond L. Mock; four brothers, Jason Carthen (Mireidy), Donnell Farrar, Frank Moore (Sharon), and Larry Malone; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews, and other relatives and friends.

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