James Watkins, Jr.

Celebration of Life for

James Watkins, Jr. Sunrise February 6, 1952

Sunset September 16, 2015

Friday, September 25, 2015 Funeral Service: 10:00 A. M. Viewing: 9:00 A.M.

Christian Unity Baptist Church 1700 Conti Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Dr. Dwight Webster, - Officiant

Order Of Service Processional …………………………………………………… Ministers & Family Opening Hymn ……………………………………………...…

Devotional Period Scripture Readings: Old Testament ………………... Psalms 23 New Testament …………….. John 14:1-4 Prayer Solo ……………………………………………………………..... Rev. Denise Jones Family Tribute “Uncle” ………………………………………………... Robin Snowton “A New Home & When God Saw You Tired” … D’Juan Mansfield “Brother” ……………………………………........... MaRhonda Jones Musical Tribute by Students ………………... Herman Harrington, Kevin Hill Stanley Ross & Eric Watson Obituary / Acknowledgements ……………………………………... Eve Francois Solo ………………………………………………………………… Jeanette Jenkins Eulogy …………………………………………………………. Dr. Dwight Webster Words of Comfort …………....... (2 minutes please) ………. Visiting Ministers A Passing Glance ………………………………….. Funeral Directors in Charge Recessional

His Story

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race…”

2 Timothy 4:7

James Watkins, Jr, passed away peacefully at his home in Houston, Texas surrounded by his family on September 16, 2015. He was a native New Orleanian and resided there until 2004 when he moved Houston, Texas to teach.

James was born on February 6, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana to James Watkins, Sr. and Mary Joseph Ellis. He grew up in a large, loving family with three sisters and two brothers. James attended New Orleans Public Schools and was a graduate of Booker T Washington Sr. High in 1970. He attended Xavier University and graduated in 1977 with a degree in music education.

On August 16, 1972 he married Edith Lorraine Watkins, the woman that God created especially for him. To this union, one son James Watkins, III was born.

James loved music and worked as a music teacher for 36 years until he was forced to give up the career he loved due to his illness. He worked as a music instructor with Orleans Parish school Board shaping the lives of students at James Derham middle school, F.W. Gregory Junior High, John McDonogh, Sr. High. James also taught at schools in Houston’s Independent School District (HISD) which included Barbara Jordan and Burbank Elementary.

He also worked briefly with the City of New Orleans as a tax collector.

James enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, watching movies and television (especially home improvement shows). He was always there to help friends with household projects, writing music, or whatever else they needed him for. James was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all.

James leaves to cherish his memory wife and best friend Edith Lorraine Watkins of 43 years; son James (Kelly) Watkins, III; two grandsons Kevin-James and Ian-Bailey Watkins; sisters Odeal Williams and Leola Howard; mother-in-law Hazel Stewart; sisters-in-law Bobbie Jean Smith, Jeanette (LT) Jenkins, brother-in-law Michael (Jacqueline)Stewart, and godchild Kurnell Sorapuru, nieces, nephews and extended family, many friends, and colleagues. He is preceded in death by his parents Mary Joseph Ellis and James Watkins, Sr., Brothers Wilbert Thomas, Willie Ellis, Sister Bertha Ellis, Father-in-law Leroy Stewart, and Sister-in-law Grace Green, Brothers-inlaw Irea Green, Chauncey Williams, and Malcolm Smith.

J a me s Wa tk i n s , J r .

February 2, 1955 – September 16, 2015

Precious Memories

When God Saw You Tired When God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be He put his arms around you And whispered come to me He didn’t like what you went through And he gave you rest His garden must be beautiful He only takes the best And when we saw you sleeping So peaceful and free from pain We wouldn’t wish you back To suffer that again Today we say goodbye And as you take your final rest That garden must be beautiful Because you are one of the best.

A Poem from Raine, James, Kelly, Kevin, and Ian

Tributes‌ Today is full of memories Of a we must lay to rest And every single one of them Is filled with happiness For you were someone l Always such a joy to know And there was so much pain When it was to let you go That’s why this special message Is sent to above For the angels to take care of you And give you

Uncle Of all the many blessings However great or small To have had you for an uncle Was the greatest one of all.

The family chain is broken now And nothing seems the same But as God takes us one by one The chain will link again

Expression of Love…

A New Home I am finished now with this house of clay; Please kindly and carefully lay it away.

Let me rest from this life of pain Toiling in sunshine, storm, and rain.

Trying to help the sick and poor And turning no needy one from my door I strived to do my Master’s work Never a duty did I shirk Many times I was misunderstood When I had done the best I could I am tired now, so let me rest Don’t cry, don’t you know that God knows best?

Please, no sad hearts, no hung down heads; Don’t weep for me for I am not dead.

I have another house you know, Where only God’s redeemed can go.

I don’t need this house of clay, So tenderly, carefully lay it away!

To my wife Raine, son Jim, daughter-in-law Kelly, and my two precious grandsons Kevin and Ian, Thanks to each of you for the Love and Happiness we shared along the way.

Until I see you in the morning, I remain yours in Love, James

Pallbearers

Honorary James Watkins, III L. T. Jenkins Wardell Hurst Kevin Bailey Michael Stewart

Active Eric Watson Kevin Hill Gregory Ellis

Donnie Mansfield Dwayne Mansfield Willis Hurst

With Gratitude & Love The family of James Watkins, Jr. extends heartfelt gratitude for your presence, prayers, expressions of sympathy and other acts of kindness during our bereavement. ~ The Family ~

Special Thanks to Vitas Hospice in Houston for their loving care and support.

Arrangements

Interment

Majestic Mortuary Services, Inc. 1833 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

New Orleans, LA 70113

Mt. Olivet Mausoleum 4000 Norman Mayer New Orleans, LA 70122

Repast Christian Unity Baptist Church 1700 Conti Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Program Design & Printing: Our Celebrations of Life (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com