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John Watkins Obituary

John Henry Watkins III RICHMOND - John Henry Watkins III, 21, died suddenly on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010 in Richmond. Henry was born in Richmond on June 30, 1989. He graduated from St. Chris- topher's School, Class of 2007. Henry played varsity football, ran track and wrestled. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout in Scout Troop 400. Henry attended James Madison University where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was an active member of the community and of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Henry will be missed for his witty, sarcastic sense of humor, and his caring personality. He is survived by his father, John Henry Watkins II and stepmother, Rosalind Williams Watkins of Richmond; his mother, Ann Goode Hess and her husband, Michael Hess of Chesapeake, Va.; sisters, Lee Lee Watkins and Esther Nell Brandon; his grandparents, Lewis B. and Martha Goode of Virginia Beach and Linda Williams of Birmingham, Ala.; great aunt, Mrs. Dan M. Tucker of Richmond; Delores Squire, his nanny; and his special friend, Kriste M. Norman. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas Rollins and Jean Fuller Watkins. A funeral will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Ave., Richmond, on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to The Farley Center at Williamsburg Place, 5477 Mooretown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Sep. 22, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Watkins

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Katie

October 9, 2010

I met Henry during my freshman year at JMU and he was one of the most charismatic and hilariously sarcastic people I have ever met. We lived in the same dorm and I greatly enjoyed every time I talked to him. It was a joy to have known him and I am incredibly sorry for your loss. I was incredibly saddened by the news and miss him dearly.

Debra Martin

September 30, 2010

Watkins Family, I knew Henry for a brief period of time. In this short while he
expressed the great amount of love he had for his entire family as well as the tremendous amount of love you had for him. He was a blessing to get to know and has had a direct impact upon my life during this short time. I wish your family and Henry continued peace and strength, he is in God's hands in a better place. Prayers to you at this difficult time.

Katharine McWane Doel

September 28, 2010

Ann,
I emailed Ellen but saw this and thought I would write you. I am so sorry about your son Henry. I can only imagine what you must be feeling at this very sad time. Want you to know I am thinking of you... and remembering us on Parkland Drive.

Love, Katharine

with love, Katharine

mallory revere

September 25, 2010

Mrs. Hess I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I met "Chase" a very short time ago. He was a wonderful person, inside and out. He spoke of you often and how much he knew you worried about him. He loved you and his family dearly. I hope you can find peace in knowing that he isn't suffering anymore. He was blessed to have a mother and family who never gave up on him, and he knew that.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Mallory

D. Yost

September 25, 2010

I don't know you and I didn't know Henry. In an indirect way he has touched my life profoundly. My son spent three weeks with Henry in Williamsburg. My heart sunk when I heard the news. When I asked my son about Henry, he said, "He was a really funny and cheerful kid. Just being in the same room with him made you laugh. He was a good kid."

Through this time of darkness and agony I hope you will find some comfort in knowing Henry's light STILL shines. His memory will live on in the minds of all who knew him.

September 25, 2010

The Watkins Family;
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You have our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers. GOD bless you all.
Eddie and Vicki Gordon
Pinnacle, NC

Marion Squire

September 25, 2010

To the Watkins Family,
I first met Henry when he was a very young boy. My sister-in-law Delores was looking after the children. He was such a sweetheart and I will always remember our first meeting. Please know that he is in a better place, and I am sure that he is enjoying every moment! May God bless you all with the strength to endure the pain that you are experiencing. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Have a blessed day!
Marion Squire & Family
Smith's Parish
Bermuda

Kelli B.

September 24, 2010

To the Watkins family: My deepest condolences and prayers go out to you all at this difficult time. Please remember that weeping may endure for a night but joy will come in the morning. I met Henry here in Richmond not very long ago. He was such a smart and loving person. Though I had'nt known him very long, I am deeply saddened to have lost him. He brought so much joy to our group at the center. He was joy to be around and will be greatly missed.

To Henry: I miss seeing your smiling face and I know you will be well taken care of up there. You are safer there than down here and you dont have to worry about suffering any longer my friend!! See you when I get there!

With Love,

Tyree Greene

September 23, 2010

To my dearest cousin Ann, you made my life wonderful through the many friends I met through your introductions during Hollins and Hampden-Sydney days. When I read "Henry lit up a room when he was present", well...you keep your faith and remember Henry is still within you to carry that same love of life and spirit I have always known you to have. He must have been as beautiful and thoughtful as you. Tyree

September 23, 2010

Roz and Family, My heart is heavy for your loss. There is nothing more painful than losing a child. I know you will find comfort in the great memories that you share of him. Now he is basking in the glory of God's Heaven where all things are right. You have yet another Angel to watch over you. Love, Jan O'Connell DeBaugh

Terry Baker

September 22, 2010

Johnny,so sorry to hear of the loss of your son,My thoughts and prayers are with you ,Terry

September 22, 2010

My heartfelt sympathy and prayers goes out to the Watkins family. Henry was a joy to know, and never failed to bring a smile to everyone's face. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

-Sara Austin

patrice jones

September 22, 2010

To the Watkins Family,
You dont know me but I knew henry" Mrs. Deloris'Henry! Both me and my family are so sorry to hear of your lost but look to God for strength and comfort in the days ahead that your fond memories and laughs will bring you comfort!

Adair Wheat

September 22, 2010

Dear Ann and Johnny, and Family,
Please accept my deepest wishes for peace for you as you move through this seemingly unbearable loss. He is with you, he is part of you, just as he was made from you, forever.
With love,

Dick Kemper

September 22, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with the Watkins family. Henry will be missed. May your memories of him and his smile and his sense of humor carry you through the sadness. May your friends and family be a comfort in these trying days. May Henry's love of life be with us all. God Bless Henry Watkins.

September 21, 2010

To the Watkins Family,
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. Remember that Henry will always be with you in your hearts. Delores my sister my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. I know that he holds a special place in your heart.
Elder Annie Hicks & Deacon Wendell Hicks Jr. & Family

September 21, 2010

Watkins Family,
My prayers are with you and Henry, God will take care of you all......Footprints

Tom Anderson

September 21, 2010

Watkins Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. The time that I spent with Henry was always great and I only wish that we all could have spent more time with him. He was a good friend and a wonderful person.

September 21, 2010

Henry...you will be deeply missed, God Speed...

Susan Solomon

September 21, 2010

Watkins Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

September 21, 2010

Dear Watkins Family,

My condolences to you all. I recall the Troop 400 hikes and knowing Henry from there - well you too John. Eric and I were so sad from this news. Prayers to all and God's peace during this difficult time.

Carl Benson

Joyce & Tom Smith

September 21, 2010

Watkins Family,
We were so pleased to get to know Henry through Troop 400 and our son Ian. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this very sad time.

September 21, 2010

Watkins Family,
My prayers are with you. Henry was such a great guy. We're all gonna miss him.

-Sam Elliott

Ken Deal

September 21, 2010

The Watkins Family:
We are so sorry to here about your loss. We will be praying for you and your family. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

Sean Mahoney

September 21, 2010

Watkins Family,

Sending my deepest sympathies. Henry brought a brilliant light into the world, and we will all miss his radiant, contagious smile. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

September 21, 2010

We love you, we will miss you and you will forever be in our hearts. Bless you, your family and your friends.
Lee, Diane and Chris Andrews

Mark & Shara Ware

September 21, 2010

The Watkins Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss.
Mark, Shara, Joshua, and Jeremy Ware

Kevin and Georgiana Ball

September 21, 2010

We were sorry to read of the sudden death of Henry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.

Julie Johnson

September 21, 2010

To Henry's family, I hold you in the light of the spirit. I'm certain this is incredibly painful for all of you, especially his parents. No parent should ever have to bury a child this way. I met Henry in Williamsburg and once again here in Richmond with others like us. He had a great heart and I know he loved his family very much first and foremost. He talked of you many times. To Henry I want to say, I'm sorry you had to leave us so soon when there was so much life for you to live. I am grateful, however, that I met you, learned from you, and that you are no longer suffering. You are most certainly at peace now and for that, I am most grateful!
In God's love and light,
Julie J.

Randy Campbell

September 21, 2010

Henry, we miss you and things just aren't the same without you here, we have you and your family in our prayers. Love you guys and thanks for the special times we had. Randy Campbell

September 21, 2010

Dear Johnny, Rosaland, Lee Lee, and Delores,

Having the pleasure of living across the street from you, I was always guaranteed a smile and a few charming words when I saw Henry. His s, was that beautiful sparkle in his eyes. May his sparkle rest in peace."Be not afraid, I go before you alway, come follow me and I will give you peace." Love and endless prayers, Cindy John, Allie,Price and Garrett Enroughty-Davis

September 21, 2010

Dear Johnny, Rosalind and Ann,

Catherine and I cannot tell you how terribly saddened we were to learn about Henry. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Catherine & Hobie

Rhett Tate

September 21, 2010

Dear Johnny and family
I am very saddened to here this news about Henry. He was a good person to hang around with and I wil always remember the good times we had together. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prays are with you all.

September 21, 2010

Dear Louis and Martha, We are saddened by the loss of your grand son John Henry. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and family .
Bill and Jane Carlton Confroy

Frank McCarthy

September 21, 2010

When Henry visited,he lit up our home like a Christmas tree. We will miss him immensely. May the Lord make His face to shine upon him...and give him peace.Please know that our prayers are with Henry and all of the family.

The McCarthy Family

Pratt Peace Stelly

September 21, 2010

Johnny, Ann, & Mary Boswell,
I am so sorry to read of the sudden death of Henry. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.

September 21, 2010

Johnny and Family,
We are heart broken for you all. Our prayers are with you.
The Solomsons

September 20, 2010

Henry,

We'll always remember that smile of yours and your happy laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

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