Mr. Lawrence (Larry) Watkins Jr.

WATKINS, Mr. Lawrence Jr. - Age 69, passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at his residence. Family hour 12:00 PM Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Riverfront Conference Center, 1 Riverfront Plaza, Flint, MI 48502 with a memorial service commencing at 1:00 PM. *All guests will need to use the Union St entrance to the parking ramp 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.

Mr. Lawrence (Larry) Watkins Jr.

October 22, 1953 - October 3, 2023