Ilene Watkins Livingston, age 67, passed away on August 21, 2026, in Midland City, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and devoted service to her family, friends, and community.
Ilene was born on July 5, 1959, in Ft. Benning, Georgia, where she lived during the early years of her life. From the beginning, she carried with her the qualities that would come to define her throughout her life. She was loving, thoughtful, and faith-filled, and she touched the lives of many with her warm spirit and gentle heart. Ilene loved the Lord and sought to live her life in a way that would please Him. Her faith was not simply something she spoke about. It was evident in the way she treated others, in the way she worked, and in the way she faced life each day with grace and determination.
For more than 30 years, Ilene faithfully worked in the lunchroom at Midland City Elementary. For the past 17 years, she served as the Lunchroom Manager, where she was known for her dedication, reliability, and caring nature. She took pride in her work and in the children and coworkers she served. Her presence in the school was a blessing to many, and she made an impact far beyond the duties of her position. Ilene was helpful and kind, and she had a big heart that made people feel welcome and cared for. She approached her work with determination and a strong sense of responsibility, and she gave her best every day.
Ilene also had a deep appreciation for antiques, especially pioneer type antiques, and she enjoyed the beauty and history found in treasured old pieces. She liked watching Discovery Channel and National Geographic, interests that reflected her curiosity and enjoyment of learning about the world around her. These simple pleasures were part of the life she enjoyed, and they brought her comfort and joy. She was a woman who found value in the meaningful, the enduring, and the familiar, and those who knew her will remember the sincerity with which she lived.
She gave God all the glory throughout her life, and her faith remained central to who she was. Ilene was a woman of strength and conviction, and she carried herself with quiet dignity. Her life was a reflection of devotion, love, and steadfast care for others. She will be remembered not only for what she did, but also for the way she made people feel. Her compassion, her thoughtful nature, and her loving spirit left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know her. She faithfully attended Cedar Grove Baptist Church and enjoyed working with the children’s department teaching them about God’s Love.
Ilene is survived by her son, Brannon Livingston; her brothers, Jimmy (Mique) Watkins and Mitchell (Carol) Watkins; her sister, Kay (Bobby) Thomas; and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends also survive to cherish her memory and the many ways she enriched their lives. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Martha Watkins and by her brother, Daniel L. Watkins.
A celebration of Ilene’s life will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randall Kuhn and Rev. Dennis Tew officiating. Ilene will be laid to rest in Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 1-2 pm.
