Ruth “Kitty” Gold Watkins, 85 of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026. 

Born on November 18, 1940, in Charleston, SC was the daughter of the late Ruth Hammond Gold, and the late Ralph Gold. 

She graduated from Winyah High School in Georgetown, SC. Attended Rollins College in Winter Park, FL and graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC in 1962. Kitty was a lifelong gifted teacher committed to students and children of the Low Country. Kitty was as eager to learn as she was to share what she learned and she brought that curiosity and enthusiasm to everyone she knew. Kitty had a great love of history and was often heard by her family to “Never let your head hit the pillow at night unless you have learned at least one fact worthy of remembering, and if not, get up and find one!” In addition, she loved spending her days studying the scriptures and reading from her extensive personal library. You could frequently find her browsing for antiques at her favorite local antique shops. She had quite an eye for a fantastic find. 

Growing up in Georgetown, SC, as an only child, she always dreamed of having a large family. Some of her happiest times were spent with the family she had long wished for. She treasured her friendships too and took joy in simply being together with the people she loved. 

She will be remembered with affection by her family, her friends and the students who were fortunate to have had her as their teacher. 

In addition to her parents, Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Alva Robert Watkins, Sr. 

Ruth is survived by six children - daughters Alice Watkins Seabrook (Lewis) and Kathryn S. Watkins; sons: Alva “Bobby” Robert Watkins, Jr. (Julie), Ralph Ashley Watkins (Tracy), John Dalton Watkins(Leigh), and Jason Allan Watkins (Laura). Her 13 Grandchildren: Mikell Seabrook, Caroline Seabrook, Logan Watkins (Andrea), Kali Watkins (Krista), Robbie Watkins, Audrea Watkins, Ralph Watkins (Mariah), Tyler Watkins, Elizabeth Stewart (Michael), Tiffany Watkins, Dalton Watkins (Sarah), Mary Coastal Watkins, and Wahoo Watkins. Her 5 Great Grandchildren: Lillian Jamison, Ryder Jamison, Jonah Benbrook, Braxtyn Watkins and Braelyn Watkins. 

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant. 

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant. Burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or The Charleston Animal Society. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home And Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.