Ms. Linda "Lynn" Jones-Watkins

On Friday, May 16, 2025, Linda Jones Watkins departed this Earth and entered into eternal rest at St. Luke's Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by her daughter. She was 74 years old.
Linda was born on January 26, 1951, in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of a set of twins to Essie Jones and Walter Harrison. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Little Rock Baptist Church in Slaughter, Louisiana. After relocating to Kansas City, Missouri, she became a devoted member of St. James United Methodist Church, where she remained active in her faith until her passing.
Affectionately known as "Lynn," she was raised and educated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She graduated in the Class of 1968 from Southern University Laboratory School, where she was a majorette and a standout track and field athlete. Notably, she was selected for the inaugural dance team of the NFL's New Orleans Saints.
Lynn earned both her B.A. and M.A. from Southern University A&M College and later completed a certification in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). She was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the University Aquatic Club.
Lynn began her teaching career at Tara High School before marrying her longtime friend, Arnold Jack, and moving to Kansas City. She went on to serve as an instructor at UMKC for over 20 years and ultimately retired from Kansas City Public Schools as the Physical Education Coordinator for the district's central office.
Known to her students as "Ms. Jack," Lynn was a respected educator and a strict but loving disciplinarian. She had a gift for connecting with others, showing kindness, and compassion to everyone she met. She loved entertaining, cooking (a passion passed down from her mother), and was an enthusiastic Kansas City Chiefs fan. She was also fiercely competitive, especially when playing cards or Dominos.
In 2007, Lynn married the love of her life, Warren "Butch" Watkins, Jr. The couple shared over 20 loving years together until his passing in 2019. Lynn also worked with the Friends of Alvin Ailey Dance Camp, representing the President's Council on Fitness, and collaborated with the Boston Private Industry Council to connect students with summer employment opportunities.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved 102-year-young mother, Essie Jones of Baton Rouge, LA; her daughter, Amber Hamilton (Fred); and granddaughter, Ashlyn Hamilton of Atlanta, GA; her twin sister, Brenda Harris (George) of Boston, MA; and her niece and goddaughter, Cassie Harris of Atlanta, GA; her sisters, Irma Harrison Coleman (Anthony) of Houston, TX; Rose Harrison Bailey (Henry) of Eden Prairie, MN; Loyce Harrison of Oakland, CA; and brother, Warren Chase of Baton Rouge, LA; nephews, Cedric Hayes (Robin) of Baton Rouge, LA; and Marceo Hayes of Kansas City, MO; god-sister, Jacqueline Danzell of Shreveport, LA; and a host of relatives; and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Harrison; her sister, Lela J. Hayes; and her husband, Warren R. Watkins, Jr.
Lynn's life was one of light, service, and joy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Memorial Service will be held at Hall Davis and Son Funeral in Baton Rouge, LA, a Memorial Service will be held in Kansas City, MO at a later date.