Mrs. Verneice Watkins

WATKINS, Mrs. Verneice - Age 91, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at her residence. Family hour 10:00 AM Friday, December 15, 2023, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, G-5443 N. Saginaw St., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Church 10:00 AM Friday, December 15, 2023. Mrs. Watkins will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12:00 PM-6:00 PM Thursday, December 14, 2023. Mrs. Verneice Watkins, known as Grandma or Gram, was born on June 6, 1932, in Millington, Tennessee, to Raymond Westbrook and Epsie Mays. Verneice accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted follower of God. After finishing school in the South, She headed north and arrived in Flint, Michigan. Verneice was admired and loved by everyone for her unique style. Verneice’s love for fashion would land her a lead job at The Vogue women’s clothing store in downtown Flint, MI, where she worked before finding her true passion for childcare. She ran a home daycare for many years, providing compassionate care to countless children. At Verneice’s daycare, she memorized every child’s name and birthdate and formed a personal connection with each child and their parents. She was the wife of the late Reverend Jay Watkins. They were married on March 14, 1964, and remained together for 51 years. With the help of her husband, Rev. Jay Watkins, Verneice and her childcare business would become a staple in the Flint community. Verneice and Rev. Jay shared a passion for traveling and enjoyed bowling together. Verneice and Jay were not only life partners but also business partners. They started multiple business ventures, one of which was a dry-cleaning company. Verneice faithfully supported her husband, Rev. Jay, throughout his pastoral journey and stood by his side as he was installed as Pastor of Austin Avenue Baptist Church in 1982. Shortly after, She became the first lady of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, where she proudly served for many years. In 2002, Verneice and Jay returned to Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, where she served in the Senior Choir and Usher Board #2. Verneice was also a member of the International F. & A.M. Masons Order of the Eastern Star. Verneice enjoyed reading the Bible, listening to gospel music on WFLT, and spending time with her Heavenly Father. Verneice loved hosting large gatherings with her family and friends. She taught her grandchildren to make classic dishes like turkey, dressing, mac & cheese, and fried chicken. Her famous German Chocolate Cake & homemade dinner rolls were her most beloved creations. She will be remembered for her love of flowers, photography, and culinary skills. Verneice spent her free time with grandsons Reggie and Vennise, watching sports, shopping with her grandson Bob, going for car rides with her dog Charlotte, and working on puzzle books she would get from her great-grandson Justin. Her great-granddaughters Jacqueline and Jessica would visit every Saturday to do her hair and makeup as they enjoyed cooking and joking together. Asia, God-great-granddaughter, would visit daily, spend the night, and have breakfast with her every morning she could. She was a remarkable person whose memory will be cherished forever by many. Verneice had an infectious warmth that radiated from her every word and gesture. Her kindness knew no bounds, and she always went to help those in need. Her love for life was evident in her infectious laughter, which could light up even the darkest rooms. Verneice’s belief in God was a fundamental part of her life, motivating her to be an inspiration and pillar of strength for all she met. Verneice, a beacon of light, left an unforgettable impact. Mrs. Verneice Watkins leaves to cherish her memory: 3 grandchildren, Vennise (Kim) Person of Flint, Reggie (Maxine) Person of Port Huron, MI and Robert “Bob” Brown of Memphis, TN; 3 great-grandchildren, Justin (Tichanti) Blackwell of Grand Rapids, MI, Jacqueline Blackwell and Jessica Blackwell, both of Flint; great-great-grandson, Julius Blackwell of Grand Rapids, M; 3 nieces, Carolyn Stewart, Brenda Hall and Denise Stewart Hickerson; nephew, Ronald “Pugh” Stewart; 2 aunts, Skinny and Clara, all of Millington, TN; 2 sisters-in-law, Rev. Lois Watkins of Tulsa, OK an Mildred Watkins of Illinois; a host of other relatives and friends including special friends Berlin (Connie) Dobson, Sam (Virginia) Williams, Sandy Becoats, Rose Langely, Shirly Milton, Ervine Byrd; god-granddaughter, Tina Turner of Flint; god-great-grandchildren, Asia Turner, Jeremiah Davison, Alleya Gatlin of Flint and Lisa Blackwell. Mrs. Watkins was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Jay Watkins; daughter, Shirley Person; father, Raymond Westbrook; mother, Epsie Mays; and sister, Lue Aubrey “Aunt Sally” Hall. The family would like to express special thanks to McLaren-Hospice, Dr. Parul Sud, Pastor Alfred L. Harris Sr., Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church family and Mrs. Georgina.

Mrs. Verneice Watkins

June 6, 1932 - November 28, 2023