Joseph Claybon Watkins Jr

Clay : Life and Legacy

Joseph "Clay" Watkins, a beloved father, husband, grandfather, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 65 at the Center of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care in Elizabeth, New Jersey. His departure leaves behind a beautiful family and a lasting legacy.

Born on January 22, 1958, at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, New Jersey, Clay spent his formative years in Springfield, New Jersey. He graduated from Jonathan Dayton High School in 1975 and embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship. As a young man, he owned two small businesses, a gas station, and the D&W Bar in New Brunswick, NJ. In the 1980s, he furthered his entrepreneurial spirit by owning a gas station on Chestnut St in Roselle, New Jersey, where he provided exceptional service to countless cars. In the late 1990s, Clay worked as an automotive mechanic at Tech Trans in Edison, New Jersey, Mazda Route 1 Auto-mall in Rahway, and last employed as a crane operator at Colart in Piscataway, New Jersey. He later decided to go back to setting his own schedule and drive Uber in 2014 where he met football legend Michael Irving. His family and friends heard about this encounter for months.

Clay will be remembered for his warm heart and his willingness to lend an ear to those in need. He was not only a great father to his own children but also a second father figure, offering valuable advice to others. In his leisure time, Clay found joy in watching Formula 1 car racing, Sunday night football, and listening to smooth jazz music. Above all, he cherished moments spent with his family and friends.

Clay is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Jackson Watkins, his daughter Tranise Jackson Ramirez, and son-in-law Mike Ramirez, Jr. He also leaves behind his two sons, Andre Claybon Watkins (Andre mom, Caroline Demby) and Aaron Emery Jackson, as well as his grandson, Aamir Jaylen Ramirez. Clay is preceded in death by his mother, Juliette Watkins, his father, Joseph Claybon Watkins Sr., his aunt Irene Street, uncle Walter Street and his cousin, Vondra Street Slade and Kim Booker. His cousins Jameel Mass, Fredrick Shorts, and Walter Shorts. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws Sharon Miller and Linda, and his brother-in-laws Johnnie, Elton, Ernie, and Melvin Cromedy. He additionally leaves behind his uncle Fredrick Shorts; his daughter Danielle Shorts Johnson, cousin Eric Shorts; and his cousins Tracey Street Johnson and little cousin Paige McClenney (David); great nephew and niece Dylan and Paisley; other little cousins Jennifer Slade (Sena); cousin Willie Slade (Keisha); his little cousins Ben and Israel; his cousin Marlow Mosby and Maurique Mosby (Bernadette), Karla Mosby Timmons (Dorian); little cousins Kya, Kimora, and Dorian Jr; his aunts Sarelia Watkins Nevius, his aunt Adele Watkins Eskin; his cousin Billy, Carol Barnes and Rene Nevius; his cousin Charles Hackey; his cousin Warren Watkins; his cousin Vincent Watkins; Tony Watkins; and Annie Watkins; son-in-laws parents Juanita and Miguel Ramirez Sr and a host of other loving family members and caring friends.

Joseph "Clay" Watkins will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to his loved ones during this difficult time.