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Mr. Lawrence Watkins Jr.
Mr. Lawrence Watkins Jr.
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Lawrence Watkins Obituary
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Mr. Lawrence (Larry) Watkins Jr. passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at his home. Born October 22, 1953 in Centralia, IL to Lawrence and Alice Watkins, Sr., Larry graduated from Flint Central High School in 1971 and went on to receive his Bachelor's from Lincoln University and Hillsdale college; thereafter receiving his Masters degree from Central Michigan University.
Larry has operated in various roles throughout his professional tenure with the Flint Community Schools. He started as a Community School Director's Aid. After a short time working for state and county agencies, he returned to the school district headquarters to operate in leadership roles for the departments of Pupil Personnel Services, School Safety, and then promoted to the Interim Superintendent position, until his retirement in 2015. Even in retirement Larry gave back, as he recently established a new non-profit organization called Pure Faith of Flint, designed to provide initiatives geared towards education, violence prevention, workforce readiness and mental health, for the youth and young adults of the city. His demonstrated commitment to holistic student development, academic excellence, professional achievement, and tireless service to the city of Flint and Genesee county, remains unparalleled.
Larry leaves to cherish beautiful memories: wife of 20 years Sherlena Watkins; children, LaTonia (Shun) Smith (Superior Twp MI), Kimberly Watkins (Aurora, IL), Yolanda (Dewayne) Fields (Detroit, MI), Franneika (Darius) Green (Oak Park, MI); grandchildren, My'a (Martez) Warren, Shun Smith II, Karina Mitchell, William Strickland, Daye Green; stepmother Mildred Watkins; father-figure Roscoe Flanigan; siblings: Mona G. (Jimmy) Brewer, Alice Gail Watkins, Joseph E. (Trina) Watkins; sister-in-laws, LeTitia Hughley, Junnie (Roy) Fields, Kim (Lifus) Ferguson, Felecia (Michael) Scriven; brother-in-laws Ronnie (Patricia) Williams, Bryan Hughley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, co-workers, and community members.
As Larry meant so much to so many, his program will contain additional loved ones, both present and passed-on unable to be mentioned herein.
The family would like to thank you sincerely for your kind and thoughtful expressions of sympathy. Your expressions of love and friendship will always remain in our hearts. We are grateful for the generosity of his life, and the legacy he leaves behind. The family would also like to thank Dr. Aarthi Bawa and Dr. Ravikumar Peddireddy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Geraldine Smith
October 31, 2023
May the Lord wrap his loving arms around this grieving family. Bless and touch the Watkins. Love your cousin Tiny!
Clifford Burks
October 14, 2023
Thanks be to God; Larry and I were roommates at Lincoln University. We shared many times including he as a starting guard and I as a starting defensive tackle. We're members of the University Athletic Hall of Fame for the 1972 MIAA Championship. Larry Watkins Jr. is a fine gentleman and My Friend.
Barbara Watkins
October 14, 2023
My sincere condolences to you and your family he gained his wings will miss him but never will forget him
ROBERT & PAULETTE ROLAND
October 13, 2023
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. R. I. P.
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Karen Felder
October 12, 2023
CONDOLENCES TO THE WATKINS FAMILY!!
CHAMPIONS FOR THE CITY OF FLINT ARE A RARE FORM,,,,
LOSING ONE, WE ALL LOSE!!
MAY THE LORD BE WITH HIS FAMILY AS THEY WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH AT THIS TIME!
Miroslav Skripnik Flint/Bay City
October 12, 2023
Miroslav Skripnik
We were both Central high class of '71. Larry was wrestling and I was photographer taking pictures for school paper and yearbook.
Our paths cross many times since high school.
RIP LARRY..........
Martha Gadola
October 11, 2023
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Lawrence Watkins. Larry and my late father Judge Thomas Gadola were close friends. My dad had the utmost respect for Larry and his service and commitment to the community and students of Flint. They also shared a great love of sports. I am sure my dad was there welcoming Larry to his heavenly home. My thoughts and prayers to the Watkins family.
Martha Gadola
Clyde Bell
October 10, 2023
Larry was a leader for the Flint Community .He always did his best for you. We will miss him. Our [Prayers goes out the Watkins family.
Clyde ,Robbie and Clyde Bell II
Vincent E. Lang
October 10, 2023
My first Memory of Larry Watkins was him teaching us wrestling moves at Central High School. I plenty of other conversations with him after that, because Larry was someone you could talk too about anything! He was a good coach, a great mentor and great friend! ......... Vincent E. Lang
Milton aka "Duck" Alston
October 9, 2023
Larry and I referred to each other as brothers from another mother as we grew up together. Both of us loved working with kids and shared being proud products from the Saint John Street Community. To the family, may our Creator continue your blessing! According to Ancient Egyptian beliefs "To speak the name of the dead is to make them live again".
Vaneva Ewell
October 8, 2023
I remember him as a little boy, playing out side, on Oregon street, across the street from the Dudley's
Rest in peace Larry.
Evangeline Dixon
October 8, 2023
Praying for you dear friend. God will give you strength and comfort that only He can.
Van and family
Darlene Upchurch
October 8, 2023
Mr. Watkins! I will forever love you because you loved this little girl right here when l needed you most! You were the best caseworker anyone could have! When l called you came running! When l just wanted to vent, you were there! When l ended up in the hospital because l tried to take my life! You came and made me feel better! You joked the whole time you were there! I pray you rest in Gods Peace and Power! My condolences to the family!
LaDean Akins
October 8, 2023
He was a friend also a family member he had a impact in our life my grandchildrens he talk with time to time when I had training under him he would say u see I am getting bald be for sure this the job for u.Family stay strong.
Diana Snyder Rutherford
October 8, 2023
I met Larry at Genesee County Probate Court where we were both employed. He was a kind, caring, juvenile probation officer who worked tirelessly for his clients. He became a friend even though he was a Central Indian & I was a Northern Viking. I have fond memories of laughing & talking with Larry. I remember how he constantly talked about his daughters with so much love & pride. He was truly committed to the city of Flint & the young people he mentored. Flint is a better place because of him & the ripples of his kindness will last for years to come. Rest in peace my friend
Laura Eufinger
October 6, 2023
I first met Larry when he was a wrestler at Flint Central. He was a good, hardworking kid who grew up to be a great man. He will be missed.
Joe Eufinger
October 6, 2023
Larry was one my favorite student athletes when I started coaching at Central. He wrestled for me and was a stalwart on our offensive line. We had daughters born at the same time at the same hospital a few years later. My player became my boss as Superintendent but he always called me Mr. Eufinger! Larry will be remembered as a true champion for Flint kids. I loved him and will always remember him.
MARCELLUS JACKSON
October 6, 2023
TO THE WATKINS FAMILY. MAY THE LORD GIVE YOU PEACE AND COMFORT. I WORKED WITH LARRY AT THE FLINT BD. OF ED . HE WAS TRULY AN AMBASSADOR FOR YOUTH. HE CARED AND LOVED ALL THAT HE CAME IN CONTACT WITH .MAY HE R.I.P.GOD BLESS YOU ALL. THE JACKSON FAMILY
Suzanne Bohlen
October 5, 2023
Larry and I were best friends through high school at Flint Central. Everything that Larry did was always positive and proactive. He was, throughout my life, a very dear friend and he will be greatly missed.
Mike Vance
October 5, 2023
Tough loss for the Flint Community. He was a true champion for all the good things in Flint. He will be missed. RIP my friend. Mike Vance and Nancy Vance
Jeff Natchez
October 5, 2023
Thoughts and prayers for the family! RIP Larry!
Richard W. Vosburgh
October 5, 2023
Please accept my my condolences, sympathy, and prayers. A finer man than Larry would be hard to find. RIP
Marvin and Thelma Bey-Woodson
October 5, 2023
Lawrence Watkins family ,we are sending our condolences and prayers.
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