Elma Watkins was born in Lodge Road, Christ Church.  She was educated at Water Street Girls’ School in the same parish.

On leaving school, Elma moved to Montrose, Christ Church and worked as a shopkeeper until retirement.  She married Gordon Watkins and had no children.  Elma, however, had one child, now deceased, from a previous relationship.

An Anglican, Mrs. Watkins was a member of Christ Church Parish Church.

Brother Cleveland Taylor described his sister, a patient at the St. Michael Geriatric Hospital, as a very friendly person who enjoyed interacting with family and friends.