Bluefield Daily Telegraph
BLUEFIELD —
John Douglas Watkins was born January 7th, 1932 in McComas, W.Va. and departed this earth on October 1, 2012. He was the third child of the late Rev. Hardin T. Watkins Sr. and Lonnie E. Watkins.
He attended the public schools of McComas, W.Va. and Bluefield, W.Va. He immediately joined the United States Army where he served seven years leaving with an honorable discharge. He attended Bluefield State College for two years. He relocated to Chicago, Illinois where he worked and lived until his retirement. Upon his retirement, he relocated to his hometown of Bluefield in 1992. On October 20, 2000 he married Monika Gray.
John was very quiet, reserved, conservative, dependable and loving person. He loved life, his church, his family, most of all he love the Lord. He was a devoted member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he served as a choir member.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Hardin T. Watkins Jr., Salem W. Watkins, Joseph Wendell Watkins; one sister, Ethel Celeste Watkins; and his first wife, Maria Watkins.
Leaves to mourn, his loving wife, Monika Watkins; two sisters, Gracie C. Thompson of Bluefield, W.Va. and Jacqueline (James) Elliott of Millsboro, Del.; two sisters in law, Melba (Ceasar) Carter of Bluefield, W.Va. and Gladys Watkins of Dover, Del.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family will receive friends today from 6-8 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Corner of Peck and Pulaski Streets, Bluefield, W.Va.
Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. James Palmer III on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 12 p.m. at the church. Viewing will be one hour prior to service. Burial at the National Cemetery in Grafton, W.Va.
Cravens-Shires Funeral Home of Bluewell is in charge of arrangements.
