Pastor Leion Watkins

WATKINS, Pastor Leion - Age 83, made his heavenly transition on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 in Tulsa, OK. Family hour 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2016 at New Beginnings Ministries, 5227 Beecher Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI. Family and friends will assemble at the church 10:00 a.m. Saturday. Pastor Watkins will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday with family present from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to receive friends. Pastor Leion Watkins was born March 31, 1933. His love of life and comical personality was as a magnet that drew people to him. Many called him “Pop” Watkins. He loved to sing and preach. He worked puzzles, made kites, watched Charlie Brown, and ate candy (too much!) PFC Watkins boxed in special services during his assignment in the Korean War. He retired from General Motors in 1982. He enjoyed painting, building, and even upholstery. He accepted the call to preach and began Free at Last Gospel Cathedral in 1986, where he was steadfast and many were blessed. God spoke to him to transfer in 2002 to New Beginning Ministries where he faithfully worked under leadership of Pastors Clarence and Barbara Lewis until his release to move to Tulsa in 2006. He was currently in fellowship with Presence Theater Church in Owasso, Oklahoma under Pastors Alvin and Sennola Fruga. His service and dedication has been experienced and appreciated by many He leaves to cherish his life, devoted wife of 46 years, Lois R. Watkins of Tulsa, OK. Four biological children with his deceased wife (Margaret Joan). Sons, Roderick T. (Kimberly) Watkins of Grand Blanc, MI; Leonardo Watkins of Flint, MI. Daughters, Sylvania (Jenard) Rogers, and Margaret (Claude) Mack. He devotedly raised children with his present wife, Lois. Sons: Jo Nathan (Danielle) Watkins, Isaac (Shameika) Watkins, and daughters Marcheta (Jessie) Todd, Theresa Fleming and Katrina Blunt. Grandsons: Christen, Kendrick, Cameron, Bennie (BJ), Andrew (AJ) and Mario. Granddaughters: Shalonda, Margaret, Sherrie, China, Kia Marie, GeRhonda, Sylvania, Diamond, GeSheika, GeNean, Jaiden, Olivia, Amanda, Mekaila and Donae Sister and brother-in-law Luvenia (Elder Turner) Hartfield. Brother-in-law Nathaniel Ferrell. Sister-in-laws, Verniece Watkins, Mildred Watkins, Joyce Barrow, Wilma Blunt, and Rose Ellen Ferrell. Numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and too many special children to mention. He was preceded in death by first wife Margaret Joan Watkins, parents Rev. Ira and Elnora Watkins, Brothers: Ivory, Rev. Jay, Larry, an Rev. Sylvester Watkins; Sister Christine Young and great- granddaughter “Alayjiah”. .

Pastor Leion Watkins

March 31, 1933 - April 27, 2016