Lee Watkins was born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 10, 1912 to William and Mildred Watkins. He was the youngest of five boys, Chester, Harold, Willie and Elmo who preceded him in death.
Lee accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. He moved to Detroit at the age of 12. He attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Cass Tech High School in 1930. He was married to the late Flossie Watkins for 54 years. From this union, four children were born: June, Lorraine (preceded him in death), Lee Franklin preceded him in death), and Maxine.
Lee was united in Holy Matrimony to Sarah Hayes on September 28, 1985. They were happily married for 22 years.
Lee was employed at Borne Aluminum as a Mill Wright from the late 1930's to the mid 1950's. In 1961, he began working at Wayne County General Hospital (formally known as Eloise) in Inkster, Michigan until he retired in 1977. After retirement, he remained active as a strong role model to his family and a leader in the community. Some of his accomplishments include a Certificate of Achievement (workshop skills in Rehabilitation field) from Henry Ford Community College, Certificate of Retirement for 16 years and 9 months of faithful service from Wayne County General Hospital, October 1, 1977, Certificate of Leadership from the American Indian Heritage Foundation, Certificate of Achievement from Tower Security, and a Resolution commemorating his 90th birthday from the Detroit City Council in 2002.
He brought joy and warmth to everyone in his presence. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and give a word of good advice and encouragement. He was known affectionately as "Grand-Dad", by everyone and he loved to socialize with his family and friends.
Lee departed this life at 95 years of age on November 6, 2007. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife, Sarah Watkins; 2 daughters, June and Maxine; 3 sons-in-law, Julian Witherspoon, (preceded in death), Alvin Johnson (preceded in death), and Calvin Vance; 1 daughter-in-law, Jessie Watkins; three nieces, Ann, Barbara and Joyce; 1 nephew, Wilbert (Woody); 5 stepchildren, Shirley, Geraldine, Willetta, Willie, and Gavlon; 3 step-grandchildren, William Carter III, David Wright and Carla Wright; 20 Grandchildren, Jill, Tanise (Tony), Angela (Bernard), Julian, June (Alonzo), Judi, Lisa (Shawn), Sharon, Kevin (preceded him in death), Kim (precede him in death), Tyrone (Pamela), Debra (Mike), Kenneth (Katrina), Raymond (Starrest), Terrance (demetria), Delshon (preceded him in death), Latrice (David), two Granddaughters-in-law, Pheonia, and Felicia; 46 great-grandchildren, 31 great-great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.
To my darling husband:
"you were so courageous and steadfast, not even complaining about anything; just waving and smiling at me on that Sunday. While I could not understand at the time, now I realize that you were waiving goodbye. I shall always love you." –Wife of 22 years, Sarah Watkins
Dad:
You were an awesome father, absolutely the best. We shared many good times, now God has given your rest. You lived a long and prosperous life and had a way of making things alright. In times of trouble you were always there willing to help without a care. I'll miss you dad through we had to part. I love always from the bottom of my heart.
- Daughter Maxine
Lee accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. He moved to Detroit at the age of 12. He attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Cass Tech High School in 1930. He was married to the late Flossie Watkins for 54 years. From this union, four children were born: June, Lorraine (preceded him in death), Lee Franklin preceded him in death), and Maxine.
Lee was united in Holy Matrimony to Sarah Hayes on September 28, 1985. They were happily married for 22 years.
Lee was employed at Borne Aluminum as a Mill Wright from the late 1930's to the mid 1950's. In 1961, he began working at Wayne County General Hospital (formally known as Eloise) in Inkster, Michigan until he retired in 1977. After retirement, he remained active as a strong role model to his family and a leader in the community. Some of his accomplishments include a Certificate of Achievement (workshop skills in Rehabilitation field) from Henry Ford Community College, Certificate of Retirement for 16 years and 9 months of faithful service from Wayne County General Hospital, October 1, 1977, Certificate of Leadership from the American Indian Heritage Foundation, Certificate of Achievement from Tower Security, and a Resolution commemorating his 90th birthday from the Detroit City Council in 2002.
He brought joy and warmth to everyone in his presence. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and give a word of good advice and encouragement. He was known affectionately as "Grand-Dad", by everyone and he loved to socialize with his family and friends.
Lee departed this life at 95 years of age on November 6, 2007. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife, Sarah Watkins; 2 daughters, June and Maxine; 3 sons-in-law, Julian Witherspoon, (preceded in death), Alvin Johnson (preceded in death), and Calvin Vance; 1 daughter-in-law, Jessie Watkins; three nieces, Ann, Barbara and Joyce; 1 nephew, Wilbert (Woody); 5 stepchildren, Shirley, Geraldine, Willetta, Willie, and Gavlon; 3 step-grandchildren, William Carter III, David Wright and Carla Wright; 20 Grandchildren, Jill, Tanise (Tony), Angela (Bernard), Julian, June (Alonzo), Judi, Lisa (Shawn), Sharon, Kevin (preceded him in death), Kim (precede him in death), Tyrone (Pamela), Debra (Mike), Kenneth (Katrina), Raymond (Starrest), Terrance (demetria), Delshon (preceded him in death), Latrice (David), two Granddaughters-in-law, Pheonia, and Felicia; 46 great-grandchildren, 31 great-great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.
To my darling husband:
"you were so courageous and steadfast, not even complaining about anything; just waving and smiling at me on that Sunday. While I could not understand at the time, now I realize that you were waiving goodbye. I shall always love you." –Wife of 22 years, Sarah Watkins
Dad:
You were an awesome father, absolutely the best. We shared many good times, now God has given your rest. You lived a long and prosperous life and had a way of making things alright. In times of trouble you were always there willing to help without a care. I'll miss you dad through we had to part. I love always from the bottom of my heart.
- Daughter Maxine
Lee Watkins was born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 10, 1912 to William and Mildred Watkins. He was the youngest of five boys, Chester, Harold, Willie and Elmo who preceded him in death.
Lee accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. He moved to Detroit at the age of 12. He attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Cass Tech High School in 1930. He was married to the late Flossie Watkins for 54 years. From this union, four children were born: June, Lorraine (preceded him in death), Lee Franklin preceded him in death), and Maxine.
Lee was united in Holy Matrimony to Sarah Hayes on September 28, 1985. They were happily married for 22 years.
Lee was employed at Borne Aluminum as a Mill Wright from the late 1930's to the mid 1950's. In 1961, he began working at Wayne County General Hospital (formally known as Eloise) in Inkster, Michigan until he retired in 1977. After retirement, he remained active as a strong role model to his family and a leader in the community. Some of his accomplishments include a Certificate of Achievement (workshop skills in Rehabilitation field) from Henry Ford Community College, Certificate of Retirement for 16 years and 9 months of faithful service from Wayne County General Hospital, October 1, 1977, Certificate of Leadership from the American Indian Heritage Foundation, Certificate of Achievement from Tower Security, and a Resolution commemorating his 90th birthday from the Detroit City Council in 2002.
He brought joy and warmth to everyone in his presence. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and give a word of good advice and encouragement. He was known affectionately as "Grand-Dad", by everyone and he loved to socialize with his family and friends.
Lee departed this life at 95 years of age on November 6, 2007. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife, Sarah Watkins; 2 daughters, June and Maxine; 3 sons-in-law, Julian Witherspoon, (preceded in death), Alvin Johnson (preceded in death), and Calvin Vance; 1 daughter-in-law, Jessie Watkins; three nieces, Ann, Barbara and Joyce; 1 nephew, Wilbert (Woody); 5 stepchildren, Shirley, Geraldine, Willetta, Willie, and Gavlon; 3 step-grandchildren, William Carter III, David Wright and Carla Wright; 20 Grandchildren, Jill, Tanise (Tony), Angela (Bernard), Julian, June (Alonzo), Judi, Lisa (Shawn), Sharon, Kevin (preceded him in death), Kim (precede him in death), Tyrone (Pamela), Debra (Mike), Kenneth (Katrina), Raymond (Starrest), Terrance (demetria), Delshon (preceded him in death), Latrice (David), two Granddaughters-in-law, Pheonia, and Felicia; 46 great-grandchildren, 31 great-great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.
To my darling husband:
"you were so courageous and steadfast, not even complaining about anything; just waving and smiling at me on that Sunday. While I could not understand at the time, now I realize that you were waiving goodbye. I shall always love you." –Wife of 22 years, Sarah Watkins
Dad:
You were an awesome father, absolutely the best. We shared many good times, now God has given your rest. You lived a long and prosperous life and had a way of making things alright. In times of trouble you were always there willing to help without a care. I'll miss you dad through we had to part. I love always from the bottom of my heart.
- Daughter Maxine
Lee accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. He moved to Detroit at the age of 12. He attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Cass Tech High School in 1930. He was married to the late Flossie Watkins for 54 years. From this union, four children were born: June, Lorraine (preceded him in death), Lee Franklin preceded him in death), and Maxine.
Lee was united in Holy Matrimony to Sarah Hayes on September 28, 1985. They were happily married for 22 years.
Lee was employed at Borne Aluminum as a Mill Wright from the late 1930's to the mid 1950's. In 1961, he began working at Wayne County General Hospital (formally known as Eloise) in Inkster, Michigan until he retired in 1977. After retirement, he remained active as a strong role model to his family and a leader in the community. Some of his accomplishments include a Certificate of Achievement (workshop skills in Rehabilitation field) from Henry Ford Community College, Certificate of Retirement for 16 years and 9 months of faithful service from Wayne County General Hospital, October 1, 1977, Certificate of Leadership from the American Indian Heritage Foundation, Certificate of Achievement from Tower Security, and a Resolution commemorating his 90th birthday from the Detroit City Council in 2002.
He brought joy and warmth to everyone in his presence. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and give a word of good advice and encouragement. He was known affectionately as "Grand-Dad", by everyone and he loved to socialize with his family and friends.
Lee departed this life at 95 years of age on November 6, 2007. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife, Sarah Watkins; 2 daughters, June and Maxine; 3 sons-in-law, Julian Witherspoon, (preceded in death), Alvin Johnson (preceded in death), and Calvin Vance; 1 daughter-in-law, Jessie Watkins; three nieces, Ann, Barbara and Joyce; 1 nephew, Wilbert (Woody); 5 stepchildren, Shirley, Geraldine, Willetta, Willie, and Gavlon; 3 step-grandchildren, William Carter III, David Wright and Carla Wright; 20 Grandchildren, Jill, Tanise (Tony), Angela (Bernard), Julian, June (Alonzo), Judi, Lisa (Shawn), Sharon, Kevin (preceded him in death), Kim (precede him in death), Tyrone (Pamela), Debra (Mike), Kenneth (Katrina), Raymond (Starrest), Terrance (demetria), Delshon (preceded him in death), Latrice (David), two Granddaughters-in-law, Pheonia, and Felicia; 46 great-grandchildren, 31 great-great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.
To my darling husband:
"you were so courageous and steadfast, not even complaining about anything; just waving and smiling at me on that Sunday. While I could not understand at the time, now I realize that you were waiving goodbye. I shall always love you." –Wife of 22 years, Sarah Watkins
Dad:
You were an awesome father, absolutely the best. We shared many good times, now God has given your rest. You lived a long and prosperous life and had a way of making things alright. In times of trouble you were always there willing to help without a care. I'll miss you dad through we had to part. I love always from the bottom of my heart.
- Daughter Maxine
