Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Elton WATKINS Obituary
Captain Watkins was employed by the Newport News Shipyard before being drafted to serve in World War II and the Korean War, and was honorably discharged receiving many prestigious medals. In 1979, after 27 dedicated years, he retired as an Longshoreman. He was a member of Second Baptist Church East End for over 60 years, were he served on the Usher Board faithfully for over 30 years until his health began to fail.
Captain Watkins was preceded in death by both parents; one daughter, Robin D. Cotton; two sisters, Marion Lee Coleman, Vernell W. Crocker; two cousins, Charlie B. Watkins and Eugene Watkins.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Catherine D. Watkins of Newport News; seven sons, Elton 'ET' Jr., Clinton (Debra) Watkins, of Hampton, Va., Kevin (Rev. Dr. Verna) Watkins, Darryl, Warren 'Pumpkin' Watkins, of Newport News, Va., Bernard Robinson of Bridgeton, N.J., and Michael Paige of Brooklyn, N.Y.; four daughters, Sandra Gordon of Newport News, Va., Pastor Carolyn (Minister Kenny Sr.) Hargrove of Hampton, Va., Renee Watkins and Donna Watkins of Williamsburg, Va.; 49 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Dorothy E. Ward of New Jersey; two brothers-in-law, Vincent David Crocker of Newport News, Charlie R. Paige, Jr., Bellglade, Fla.; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Special thanks to Dr. Roberson and the ICU staff of Riverside Regional Medical Center.
Viewing will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21. 2009, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th St. NN, VA. 23607. A homegoing celebration will be held at noon Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, at Second Baptist Church East End, NN, Va., with the Rev. Avery E. Miller, officiating. Interment will follow at Albert G. Horton Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Suffolk, Va. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cookebros.com
The final care of our loved one has been entrusted to the staff of Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elton WATKINS
Sherry Crocker - Burden
December 22, 2009
Catherine and my cousins,
I'm thinking of each of you during this time. I pray that God help you all each and everyday. I will miss my Uncle but glad to have known him. I will cherish the time I came over with my boys and we just talked. I wish I could be there to help in the celebration of his life. Love You All
December 22, 2009
"Kevin and the Watkins family: I offer my sincere condolence and deepest sympathy for your loss. May the outpouring of sympathy, the kind acts of friends and strangers comfort you during this difficult time. I ask God’s blessings on you and your family." Darrell Owens (Hampton, VA)
Marguerite Edmonds
December 22, 2009
Catherine,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. May words of sympathy ease your sorrow. May the memories of your loved one, Bubba, give you and your family strength to meet today,tomorrow and the days ahead. My sincere condolences to all of you.
Michelle Handy
December 21, 2009
Kevin,
I hope it helps knowing that during the homegoing of your father that you have friends that are keeping you and your family lifted in prayer. You never get over it, you just get through it. But please know that God is a GREAT COMFORTER!!!
Blessings and Love
Beverly Parker
December 21, 2009
Renee and the Watkins Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. I met Mr. Watkins during the summer and in that one meeting, there was no doubt how important his family was to him. Cherish the memories. He is looking down on you all proudly smiling.
December 21, 2009
Our deepest condolences goes out to the Watkin's family we pray God's grace and peace continue to be upon you all.
The Savedge Family
DeShawn,& Constance
December 21, 2009
Kevin and the Watkins Family: God is still in control and doing these moments when everything seems diffcult remember that God will provide every thing that the family needs. May God continue to shower you and the family with love and grace. Ed Warren & Family
DeShawn Savedge
December 21, 2009
My prayers and condolences goes out to the Watkin's family. "May God be the comfort and help you need in this time of loss"
December 21, 2009
To the Watkins Family: We were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Watkins. We hope that during this time of sorrow you will find comfort in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Dixon Family
Veda Ensley- Godwin
December 21, 2009
I will always remember uncle Bubba and
aunt Katherine stopping by to visit Big
Mama and the family.Spending time with family is precious.May God give you peace and comfort.We love you all.
December 21, 2009
Kevin and The Watkins Family,
We were truly saddened learning of your loss. I know that not only the thoughts and prayers of our family, but those of many others, will be with you and your family.
The Foster Family
J.J., Rhonda, & Joron
December 21, 2009
Kevin Watkins and family my heartfelt condolences go out to you during your time of loss. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead. Reggie Stanley (Suffolk, VA)
Adrian Sutton
December 21, 2009
My deepest condolence in this time and season, God's grace continues to fall on you and your family.
Kevin Ricks
December 21, 2009
The Ricks family would like to send prayers and condolences to the Watkin's family. May God comfort you in your time of loss.
Gordon Rodrigues
December 21, 2009
My prayers are with the Watkins' family in your time of grief from the Rodrigues family. May the good memories of your lost bring you comfort.
Darrell Brown
December 21, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
December 21, 2009
Kevin Watkins and Family,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
The Motley's
Adrian, Norma, Adrienne and Bilal
Gwen Davis
December 20, 2009
My family's thoughts and prayers are with the entire Watkins family. We grieve with you. But there are brighter days ahead. Please keep the faith and God will make you strong. We love you all!
Gwen Davis & Family
December 20, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Watkins' family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
love
Michael, Linda, and Lil, Mike Stokes
sharmain wilson
December 20, 2009
On the behalf of the late Helen P. Lipkins- Smith, we send out a heart felt greeting doing the timeof your lose things will get easier if you just stay strong. For GOD will never leave nor forsake you, He (GOD) will place no more on you more then you can bear. Always remember that DADDY is not gone he just went up stairs so he can look down on you better and see all that you are doing.
love
Ms. Helen, kids, grandkids &greatgrand kids
sharmain wilson
December 20, 2009
On the behalf of the late Helen P. Lipkins- Smith, we send out a heart felt greeting doing the timeof your lose things will get easier if you just stay strong. For GOD will never leave nor forsake you, He (GOD) will place no more on you more then you can bear. Always remember that DADDY is not gone he just went up stairs so he can look down on you better and see all that you are doing.
love
Ms. Helen, kids, grandkids &greatgrand kids
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Elton WATKINS's name
Memorial Events
for Elton WATKINS
How to support Elton's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Elton WATKINS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
