Sellavene Law 6-15-24

Sellavene "Ceil" Watkins Law, 87, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Monticello House in Jackson. The family wishes to express its appreciation to Monticello House, The Villas of Jackson, Villa Memory Care and Crown Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion for Ceil in her final season of life.

She was born Dec. 6, 1936, to Clystia and Oneal Watkins in Leachville, Arkansas.

She attended school in Holland, Missouri. After graduating, she attended Southeast Missouri State College, where she met her future husband, Lloyd Law. After her first year in college, Ceil moved to Iowa. Lloyd joined her, and they married on Aug. 12, 1955. They returned to Cape Girardeau, where they both continued their education at SEMO.

When Lloyd began his career as an administrator for the Jackson School District, Ceil stayed busy taking care of their family and home. They were active supporters of the Jackson community and schools. They enjoyed attending music, sports and various other school events with their four children.

Ceil and Lloyd were former members of First Baptist Church in Jackson. Ceil was involved in ladies ministries and taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school for many years. She was also a member of Eastern Star and VFW Auxiliary.

Ceil worked as a secretary for several local businesses and retired after serving as the pastor’s secretary at First Baptist Church in Jackson.

Ceil and Lloyd later became members of Shawnee Hills Baptist Church. They enjoyed spending time with their church family, serving others and volunteering. Ceil spent many hours working in the church library.

During her retirement years, Ceil volunteered in her community and spent time traveling, reading, quilting and spending time with family and friends. She especially treasured her visits with her dearest friend, Mable Carnell.

Ceil and Lloyd enjoyed attending their grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s special events. They remained married for 63 years, until Lloyd passed away in 2018.

Ceil will be remembered fondly by her friends and her surviving family which includes her children, a daughter, Janie (Robert) Cox; three sons, Terry (Glenda) Law, Ricky (Susan) Law and Brian (Amy) Law; grandchildren, Jordan (Kasey) Cox, Jason (Kara) Cox, Amie( Ben) Shoemaker, Travis Law, Jenna (Mason) Imlay, Gabrielle (Joe) Furr, Sadie (Dakota) Carey, Lauren (Daniel) Robinson and Whitney (Wesley) Durrwachter; great-grandchildren, Noah, Jobi, Katy Jane and Lawson Cox, Kinley Shoemaker, Garrett and Elizabeth Imlay, Sawyer and Maverick Furr, Dax and Crew Carey and Ian Durrwachter; sisters Lavern Talbert and Vicky (Larry) Conley; sisters-in-law, Bobbie, Linda and Freeda Watkins; and many nieces and nephews.åShe was preceded in death by her parents; husband; grandsonm Nathan Law; brothers, Troy, Harvie and Marvin Watkins; sisters, Nancy Perry, and Debbie Pelley; brothers-in-law, James Perry and Lonnie Talbert; sister-in-law, Juanita Watkins; and three nephews, Michael Talbert and Howard and Steve Watkins.

Memorial contributions may be made to Missouri Baptist University, Society of Fine Arts at www.mobap.edu/give.

There will be a celebration of life service at 3 p.m. Monday, June 17, at Fruitland Community Church, officiated by Dr. Jordan Cox and Pastor Mike Parry.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.