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Light a Candle
Theodore Roosevelt Watkins, Sr. was born March 10, 1942 to the late John Earnest Watkins and Rosa Henderson Watkins in Henderson, NC. He was the fifth child born out of twelve. He departed this life on Friday, July 8, 2022. He was predeceased by siblings Joseph Watkins, Grace Hargrove, John Watkins Jr, Virginia Barnes, and Ernestine Dougerty. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 54 years Bernice Russell Watkins, loving daughter Belinda Watkins, and dedicated son Theodore R Watkins, Jr., two grandsons Andre M. Watkins and Clarence P. Dunn, Jr., and three great grandchildren Dashawn Creek, Anjaynae Little, and Carter Dunn. He is also survived by six surviving siblings, nine inlaws, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. At the tender age of twelve, Theodore joined and was baptized at Brookston Baptist Church in Greystone, NC. He was ordained into ministry in the early 1960's and later called to pastor where he founded the New Jerusalem Assembly of Yahweh, holding services in his homes. His years in the ministry spanned over five decades and many souls were saved. Theodore served two years of active duty in the US Army during the Vietnam War. From there, Theodore enjoyed a long career with the US Post Office, where he dedicated nearly 50 years. He was very dependable and lived the motto - "Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the postmen from their appointed rounds," for he never missed a day. Theodore was a quiet family man. He found pleasure in collecting antique cars, watching westerns, and listening to the sounds of various gospel quartets and classical orchestras. He also played the electric guitar and piano. In his retirement, you would often see him sitting on his front porch reading the newspaper or tending the lawn on his riding mower wearing one of his many "Vietnam" hats. All would agreed that his biggest love was serving God. He was always eager to provide words of encouragement and share nuggets of wisdom about his savior to everyone he touched. He would exhaust many hours in his office studying. And he always ended his night reading a passage of scripture from his bible. We are all saddened by Theodore's passing, but blessed beyond measures to have had him in our lives. A memorial service will be held at the Evangel Cathedral Bishop's Chapel in Upper Marlboro, MD at 10am on Saturday, July 23, 2022. A private interment will be held at the Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery Thursday. July 28, 2022. Flowers offered in his memory can be sent and will be accepted at the R.N. Horton funeral home at 600 Kennedy Street NW Washington, DC 20011 through Friday, July 22nd.
