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JoAnna Watkins Obituary
Dec. 16, 1911 - Oct. 25, 2013 SOUTH BEND - JoAnna "Granny" Watkins transitioned from her earthly home surrounded by her family into her heavenly home on Friday, October 25, 2013, at 12:35 a.m. JoAnna was born on December 16, 1911, to Jessie Bell Henderson and John Scott in Sunflower, Mississippi. She was raised from the age of 10 in Louise, Mississippi, by her grandmother and aunt after the passing of her mother. On June 17, 1929, she married Albert Watkins. They were together 48 years until God called him home. From that union came four children and three that they raised after her best friend's death. In 1943, the family relocated to Chicago, Illinois. She joined Friendship Baptist Church where she served on the Usher Board for many years. In December 1982, JoAanna moved to South Bend, Indiana. She was a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Later she united with Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Hardy Petty and served as President of the Mothers Board. She remained on the Mothers Board until her departure. JoAnna leaves to cherish her memory three children, Jessie Brumfield, Ruth Reese and Anthony Watkins, all of South Bend, Indiana; 12 grandchildren, Marsha Farmer, LaVera Gayle, Linda Brumfield, Shafonia Logan, Richard Warfield, Latonya Hubbert, Alfred Hubbert, Charles Newell, Felicia Garcia, Tammy Lewis and Zola Farrior; 37 great-grandchildren, 34 great-great-grandchildren; a very special friend, Estella Murray; and a host of other family and friends. Preceding her in death along with her parents were her husband, Albert Watkins; daughters, Bertha Hubbert and Leola Farmer; a son, Marc T. Watkins; and grandsons, Michael Brumfield and Robert Earl Brumfield. Funeral services for JoAnna Watkins will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2013, at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist with viewing occurring one hour prior to services. ALFORD'S MORTUARY has been entrusted with arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit our webpage at www.alfordsmortuaryinc.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JoAnna Watkins
Shamika Wright
November 16, 2013
Granny I love & miss you so much
November 8, 2013
My Mother
A virtuous woman. A rare powerful woman. Sweet,kind,loving, compassionate, dedicated and committed to God. She was quiet, obedient, and wise. Honorable,Reverent and Submissive. She taught us how to love and pray. She was unique and full of the Spirit. God gave us a jewel. I love you mama. I will cherish your memory until I see you again.
Your daugher
Ruth
Jessette Ross
November 2, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss and I will be praying for the Watkins and Brumfield family.You were truely blessed to have granny in your lives for 101yrs remember the good times and know one day you will see her again.
Andre,Betty,Andrea,Ashley Bridges
November 1, 2013
To my family, words just can not express how I feel right now but we do know that "Granny" is resting in the arms of our Lord and Saviour. She fought the fight,she finished her course she is now @ peace. We will miss her as she makes her transition from her earthly home to her heavenly home. I know that she was ready to go home but she remained here long enough to prepare us for this day.I really miss her soooo much but I know that she is alright, no more pain. We must all keep her legacy alive and to take with us all of the things that she taught us.Just remember that she will live on in our hearts.We are all so BLESSED to have had "Granny" apart of our lives for such a long time. May the peace of God be with us all. Much Much Love.
Tiara Wright
November 1, 2013
Rest in Heaven my beautiful Angel!! I'm so blessed to have had u here with me & my children, I love & miss you beyond belief & if my love could bring u back you'd never left...I won't say goodbye my love, so until we meet again; I'll mourn u until I join u beautiful :(
amber howell
October 30, 2013
Granny u were truly a blessing for me to have met u are wht we call a angel on earth can't remember a bad thing only sweet memories of u luv u and may u rest peacefully?
LaShelle Brumfield-Henderson
October 30, 2013
I love & miss you Granny,My Heavenly Angel, you were the Eptiome of Womanhood...I wanna be JUST LIKE YOU when I grow up. I know God favors me, because he blessed me to be apart of your legacy. Muah.
Lisa White
October 30, 2013
To the Watkins family, May God continue to be a source of comfort and strength bringing peace to you all during this most difficult time .She will be greatly missed by all who knew her but the memories of her will always be cherished. May God bless you all, your family in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Barney Lewis
October 30, 2013
Our fondest memory of mother Watkins was when we bought her the bible on CD. It gave us great joy to know that she was able to still receive the word of God. We will trust miss her! We will forever cherish her memory. Love y'all, pastor and First Lady Lewis.
The Aaron Family
October 30, 2013
May God bless and strengthen each of you as you cherish your special memories of your loved one.
October 30, 2013
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE WATKINS FAMILY! SHE WAS TRULY BLESSED. MAY GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY.
Michael Brumfield
October 30, 2013
I love you Granny
marsha farmer
October 30, 2013
God blessed our family with one of his most precious angels for 101 yrs. still not enough. Granny your memory will live 101 more years with this family.
shafonia Logan
October 30, 2013
Granny i love u and miss you so much .i no your at rest and everything is ok but its hard down here on earth without you but i no i will c u again.love&miss u.
LaVera Gayle
October 30, 2013
I love you granny and you will be missed by everyone.
LaVerne Reynolds-Lane
October 30, 2013
Cousins,
May God continue to bless you all during this time of sorrow. Your mother, grandmother was a blessing and inspiration to us all. She lived a long happy life. All thou we can't be there with you, we are praying for you.
Your family in Mississippi
Lonnie & Charlotte Taylor
October 30, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
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