James Theodore Watkins

James T. Watkins, 85, devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away on December 22, 2018, after a period of illness at Autumn Care of Portsmouth Nursing Home. He was born May 9, 1933 to the late Mary Wright Clayton and James Henry Watkins. He graduated from Booker T. Washington and received a degree from Norfolk State University. He joined the US Army at an early age and served in the Korean War. He retired after several devoted years with the US Army. James also retired after 30 years of service with the US Postal Service as a letter carrier. He was a faithful member of New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Chesapeake, VA where he served on the Trustee Board. James leaves behind his children, Janis Watkins of North Carolina, Brian Watkins of Maryland and Patria Harper of Portsmouth, VA; grandchildren, Marcus Peters of Washington, DC, Nikia Jones of Richmond and Coby Harper of Portsmouth; his sisters, Waleen Wilson of Chesapeake and Elnora Smith of Portsmouth and a host of other beloved relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his loving and devoted wife of over 50 years, Barbara Ann Ford Watkins; mother, Mary Clayton; stepfather, Beacon Clayton; father, James H. Watkins and in-laws, Helen and Floyd McIntyre.