Obituary of Donald Watkins

Donald Elof Watkins was born on August 5, 1958, in Philadelphia, PA to the late George Howard and Ossie Mae Watkins. He was the fourth of 5 children. Donald attended William Cullen Bryant Elementary School, William L. Sayre Middle School and West Philadelphia High School class of 1976. He was an avid basketball player and member of the West Philly “SPEEDBOYS” team, who won 3 championship games between 1974 and 1975. He was also the President of Student Government. At his last position, he was the House Manager for a non-profit organization called Homeless Solutions Inc. in Cedar Knolls, NJ. Donald married Annie B. Horne on December 21, 1997 and became a father figure to her son Daniel Horne during their marriage. They worshiped together as a family and with the love and support of this union, family and friends, he was ordained by Pastor Jerry Sanders of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ April 22, 2002. To further continue his education in Christ, he attended Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Donald was a member of Sharon Baptist, First Baptist, Fountain Baptist and attended Christian Compassion and New Beginnings Churches. Driving from Camden, NJ each weekend, First Baptist was his final church home. He gave his last sermon July 9, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Whitesboro, NJ under Rev. Douglas Moore. He is survived by and leaves to mourn Daniel Horne (New Jersey); his son, Nasir Wilkins (Maryland) and Sherrena, grandchildren, Nadaejah, Danaejah, Nasir, and Daliyah, Sisters, Lana Watkins and Wanda Watkins (Both of Pennsylvania), Brothers, George “Umar” Watkins (Florida) and Jessie Watkins (New Jersey); lifetime friends, George Duncan and Lauren Muir; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Donald earned his wings, August 26, 2023.