Mother Evelyn Jonas Watkins, 85, was born on June 2, 1935, in Lake Butler, Fla. to Lula Mae Scott and David Young. Having resided in the area her entire life, she was well respected by members of the community. She will be remembered for her meekness, kindness and love that she had for all.
Celebration of life services, with COVID-19 restrictions, will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 6, 2021, in the auditorium of Union County High School, 1000 South Lake Avenue, in Lake Butler, Fla., with Pastor Beverly Crawford and Elder Leonard Watkins officiating. A public viewing and visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021, in the sanctuary of Greater Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, in Lake Butler, Fla. Earthly bed of slumber: Fort Call Cemetery, in Lake Butler.
During her formative years, Mother Watkins experienced a life changing event that impacted her life forever. She received the gift of salvation as well as baptism of the Holy Spirit. She was gifted with the spirit of humility. She was a member of the Church of Christ, where she served faithfully as a dedicated mother of the church.
Mother Watkins received her education from the public schools of Union County in Florida. Soon after she graduated, she was united in holy matrimony to Leon Watkins. They were blessed to be the parents of eight children, whom they raised with Christian values, respect and the essentials of life.
Mother Watkins was employed as a dietary aide at the Northwest Florida State Hospital in McClenny, Fla. Her heart of compassion and her love for her job did not go unnoticed, for she received the Governor’s Sterling Award for service. She also received recognitions for her outstanding job performance, and earlier in her career, she was awarded the Education Training Certificate.
Mother Watkins crossed from this walk of life on Saturday, May 29, 2021. She will be missed, but her faithful earthly service is complete; she has earned her wings and will forever rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus.
Death leaves heartaches that no one can heal. Love leaves memories that no one can steal. Mother Watkins leaves to cherish her loving memories, her children: Irma Watkins, Linda Watkins, Leon (Marilyn) Watkins, Jr. and Pastor Leonard (April) Watkins, all of Lake Butler, Fla.; Annie (Lennon) Davis of Tallahassee, Fla., Janice (Melvin) Byrd of Melrose Fla., Wanda Watkins of Jacksonville, Fla. and Lutrenyah (James) Young of Gainesville, Fla.; grandchildren: Lyndric, Clinton, Victor, Calvin, Angela, Tracy, Leon III, Ericka, Melissa, Tynisha, Manzy, Shaideria, Maurice, Davario and Candis; 37 great grandchildren; special friends: Janeen Jenkins, Johnnie Mae Simmions, Margaret Henderson and Pastor Geraldine Modican; along with a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.
Final care and compassionate services are being provided to the Jonas-Watkins family, with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by the Hall-Moore Funeral Directors at Tillman Funeral Home of Madison (850) 973-6677: Jamarien "J.P." Moore, Funeral Director.