Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

After years of saying, “I am going home”, “I didn’t see my name in the paper” “I’m next” or “What you going to wear to my funeral?”, JOHN THOMAS WATKINS, without warning or even saying “good-bye” swiftly vacated his earthly home and moved to a beautiful mansion in Heaven prepared especially for him; where there is no more speech impediment, no more dialysis, no more sickness, no more sorrow or no more pain.

He’s Now Free!!!! Walking around Heaven shouting and singing praises all the day long. Johnny was born the third son to the late Reverend John Earlie and Lois Virginia Buster Watkins on Friday, December 4, 1953, in Montgomery, WV.

Johnny was raised by his parents and lived most of his life in Beards Fork, WV. Johnny acquired his basic education through the Fayette County School System. He worked 19 years, 11 months for National Linen in Charleston, WV, where he lived for several years before returning to Beards Fork.

Johnny was a life -long member of Mt Olive Baptist Church serving under four Pastors. He sung in the Choir; was a member of the Mission Society and was the Church Janitor for years. But most notable, Johnny organized and sponsored the crafts for the Vacation Bible School every year. Before he had a stroke, Johnny would also sponsor the Sunrise Breakfast on Easter Morning before Sunday School. Johnny loved his Church, and he rarely missed a service.

Johnny also helped the elderly in the community in many capacities. He was quiet and unassuming but loved by all who came in direct contact with him. For years, he was in poor health, but he never really complained.

Johnny, blessed with sixty-nine (69) years of life, was called to his new home in glory on Thursday, February 2, 2023. He was given the new deed to his mansion and reunited with his parents, Rev. John Earlie and Lois Virginia Buster; maternal grandparents, Elbersole and Edna Buster; paternal grandparents, James and Mattie Watkins; brothers, Gerald Watkins, Sp5 Emmanuel Watkins, Gary Dewayne Watkins and sister, Lisa Marie Watkins.

Johnny leaves to forever cherish his memory his brother, Gregory (Deborah) Watkins; sisters-in-law Wilma “Tee” Watkins, Krystal Watkins and Twana Watkins Price; nieces and nephews, Brian (Patty) Watkins, Braylyn Watkins, Bakita (Lamont) Amos, Michelle Watkins, Tiffany Watkins, Taniqua (Commander Brandon) Palmer, Tajuana (Johnny) Jones, Gregory Watkins, Justin (Jessica) Watkins; uncle, Dr. Sherman S. Watkins; numerous great-nieces and nephews; special cousins, Dorethea Smith, Lynn (Billy) Austin, Kathryn Coles, Freda (Dr. Emmit) Patterson, Priscilla (Bobby) Williams, close friend, Charlene Newkirk and a host of other relatives and many friends.

We’ll think of you as one who sleeps All free from grief and pain And know the happy day will come When we shall meet again

Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant!!

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10

Funeral service will be 1:00PM Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church 20 Jones Dr. Beards Fork, WV with Rev. Herman James officiating. Burial will follow in Meadow Haven Memorial Park, Ingram Branch.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.