Velma Jean Watkins

Velma Jean Nelson was born on January 28, 1928 in Maypearl, Texas to Hattie Turner and Will
Nelson. She met and married Leo Watkins, Sr a United States Marine in 1950. In 1953 they
relocated to San Diego, California. Velma worked at MCRD/NTC and Pacific Services as a Clothes
Presser for 15 years. She also worked at Curt’s BBQ located downtown, where she was featured
in San Diego Magazine in 1987 for her fabulous, down-home delicious potato Salad, sweet potato
pies, collard greens and coleslaw. Whenever she found the time, her brother Joe (Uncle Joe)
would load up the kids and friends and go camping and fishing. She loved to fish. She received
recognition and certificates of honors from the city of San Diego for her dedicated community
service. She was an avid Charger’s Football Fan. She loved to watch them no matter where they
call home.
Her door was always open, and she would never turn down anyone. If you needed a place to lay
your head, she would tell you to get a blanket out of the closet. On any given night at 5pm, you
could stop by and eat a full course meal. She was truly a beautiful soul and a blessing to know her
and talk to her until her last day.
On Monday January 13, 2020, Velma Jean Watkins was called home to eternal rest. She is
preceded in death by her husband, Leo Watkins, Sr.; siblings, Wilbur Nelson, Robert Lee Nelson,
Rev. John Nelson, Joe Steen Nelson; sisters, Maime Nelson and Helen Lois Jackson; son, Gene
Arthur Watkins, granddaughter, Roslyn Jen’e Davis; grandsons, Joseph Jose Raygoza, Kenneth
Lamar Davis, Sr, Michael Watkins Jr. and great grandson, Reginald Lamont Anderson III.
She leaves a legacy of 6 generations of love, compassion and laughter that will live forever in the
hearts of all who knew her. She leaves to cherish her loving memory: her children, Willa-Sue
Davis, Hortense Louise Watkins, Deborah Renee Watkins-Braggs (Charles) Leo Junebug Watkins Jr.
(Karen) James Lee Watkins (Peggy) Michelle Watkins, Leonard Ray Watkins Sr. (Felicia) Lorette
Watkins, Lorraine Watkins-Manghane (Robert) Michael Anthony Watkins Sr.(Monica) and
Anthony Bernard Lee; Longtime friends, Roson F. Ceaser and Marvin A. Moon; 50 grandchildren;
79 great-grandchildren and 47 great-great grandchildren.
 

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