Jean Watkins Obituary

Jean Bloxom Watkins BATTERY PARK - Jean Bloxom Watkins, 87, lifelong resident of Battery Park, Va., died Monday, July 19, 2010. She was born to the late Doris Parsons Bloxom and M.T. Bloxom Sr. Jean is survived by her husband of 66 years, George Martin Watkins and two children, George Michael Watkins and Jeanne Watkins Brayshaw. Her other family members include her sister, Martha T. Bloxom Lane of Richmond, Va.; her brother, M.T. (Sonny) Bloxom Jr. of Smithfield; four grandchildren, Robert Ashley Brayshaw, Michael Delacy Brayshaw, Dwight Martin Watkins, and Katherine (Katie) Michelle Crews, and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a very large and wonderful Bloxom family. Two sisters, Virginia Mae Martin and Mary Bloxom Martin, preceded her in death. Jean was a voice major at Averett College in Danville, Va. Her beautiful voice will be remembered by the members of Battery Park Church where she directed the choir for more than 40 years. Jean also had the lead in plays - too numerous to mention, a highlight being "Little Mary Sunshine" with the Smithfield Little Theatre. Her beauty, both inside and out, were beyond measure and very apparent to all who knew her. Jean was a professional interior decorator and the beauty of her work was unsurpassed. The family would like to thank the staff of the Smithfield Convalescent Center, where Jean spent her last three months. Their kindness, consideration and superior loving care will always be remembered. A life celebration service will be held Thursday, July 22, at 11 a.m. in Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield. Burial will follow in St. Luke's Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield, Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association (Disease & Related Disorders), 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jul. 20, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Watkins

15 Entries

July 24, 2010

July 24,2010

My love and prayers to all of Jean's family. She was such a blessing to Jean and me when he was pastor and she was choir director at Battery Park Baptist Church. She was such a beautiful character and blessed with an outstanding and beautiful voice.

My Jean passed away June 12th. Now they are both in the presence of God.

Sincerely,

Nancy Stephens

July 23, 2010

I was so very sad to see that Aunt Jean had passed. My condolences to the family.

Michelle Martin Hernandez (Mark Martin's daughter)

July 23, 2010

Robin Willett

July 22, 2010

It has been an honor to have spent the last few months with Jean and her family. May God's grace give you comfort.

Jerilyn Watkins

July 22, 2010

Just wanted to leave condolences for the family. I remember as a child, some of my favorite memories were visiting Cousin Martin & Jean. I know that she will be sadly missed by all.
Jerilyn

Laura Feliciano

July 21, 2010

It was a pleasure to be able to meet Mrs. Watkins. I grew to love her just like she was part of my family. I am honored that I was asked to sing "Amazing Grace" at her funeral. Even though I was unable to ever hear Jean sing, I am sure that she is still enjoying singing now even closer to God. Prayers are with your family.

Bonnie, Allie and Jeremiah Shriver

July 21, 2010

Dearest Martin, Jeannie, Mike and Family,
It's hard to sum up in a few sentences how we feel about Jean. My first thoughts are that she was always as delicate as a little bird...and could sing like one, too! She was beautiful on the outside and even more beautiful on the inside. I have fond memories of visiting with you all during summers long ago and thinking how wonderful it would be to have a Mother like yours! Her kind and loving spirit was extended to many throughout her life and I was definitely one of those lucky ones to have known her. She was always a "Southern Lady" and her genteel ways always made people feel right at ease. Dignity and Grace followed her all the days of her life and when we think of her we will always remember that beautiful smile which she was always willing to share. Thank you God for giving Jean to us for a while and now we know that she has gone home to you and is at peace forever. We love you all and please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie, Allie and Jeremiah Shriver

Donnie & Belinda Mason

July 21, 2010

May your family rejoice in knowing that your wife, mom, and grandmother is in Heaven singing with the best choir she has every sang with "God's Choir", I know that her beautiful voice is a reward in heaven as it was here on this earth. I have known Jean since before I was old enough to know I knew her, as we all grew up together in Battery Park Church and have been neighbors forever. She had a beautiful smile and a sweet spirit and loved her Lord and Savior. That is what makes this a celebration of her Life, knowing where she is now in a new body.
May God Bless You in the Days Ahead.

Bill & Debbie Vaccarelli

July 20, 2010

Martin, Jeanne, Michael and family... from the day I was born Jean has been a part of my life. Mama and Daddy thought so much of you and when "us kids" came along we were destined to be good friends. I have so many fond memories of Jean. She was a wonderful choir director at Battery Park Baptist (where we all grew up) and I remember her helping with Bible School and of course running the store "down the hill". Bill only got to know her after we were married but he soon became very fond of her as well. Jean, Mama and Mildred would always bring "him" leftovers from the chinese restaurant on their "lunches out"... they brought it to him when they came by the deli for cheesecake!! Jean is the last of the 3 to leave us .... but think of all the good times they will have being reunited. What a time there is going to be in Heaven! We send our love and offer our assistance in any way, just call. You are in our hearts and prayers. Love,

Lee Moretz

July 20, 2010

I am heartbroken to hear of Jean's death. I met her in the choir at Smithfield Baptist and we soon became friends. We would ride together to choir practice on Wednesday evenings and she would always be dressed in style. We occasionally had lunch together and once she even came to my house and we baked cookies together using her famous chocolate chip cookie recipe. She loved cooking and was an extremely generous and talented lady with a heart of gold. I loved hearing her stories about her singing and acting days. I will always remember her beautiful blue eyes which reflected her soul, but most of all I'll remember her wonderful friendship.

Betty Joyner

July 20, 2010

Jean was such an inspiration to so many. I will always remember her lovely smile and beautiful personality. She set an example in the way she lived. She loved her family, music was in her soul and when she made drapes covered chairs and sofas the end result was perfection. Jean always made me feel special, she will be missed. She was the first person in my life who encouraged me to sing. An Angel has gone home!!!!!!

July 20, 2010

Jean was a very special lady. I met Jean when she sang with us in the Smithfield Baptist choir. She always had a smile and a song in her heart. I always looked foward seeing Jean when she sang with us. My spirit always smiled when Jean sat with me.
In Christian Love
Cathy

Cynthia Wiley Winters

July 20, 2010

Watkins family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like she had a wonderful, God filled life. I know you will miss her even though she is in a wonderful place now with our Lord.

July 20, 2010

Jean was such a great asset to our choir at Smithfield Baptist Church and will be greatly missed.I know she will be lending her lovely voice to God's heavenly choir. I will also miss visiting with Jean at the nursing home. I was never sure she knew who I was, but she always had a beautiful smile for me. Becky Dashiell

Franklin Hall

July 20, 2010

I was privileged to be her pastor many years ago and I have never forgotten her sweet personality, beautiful singing voice, dedication to her Lord, and faithful service to God and the Battery Park Baptist Church by directing the choir for so many years. I know she will be missed by so many who loved her, but I will, with them, celebrate her life and Graduation to Glory.
Franklin Hall, Reedville, VA

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