Obituary of Selma Watkins

Selma Watkins was born on November 29, 1927 to Jerlington (deceased) and Effie Bagwell(deceased) in Accomac, VA. She was happily married for 50 years to James Watkins who preceded her in January, 2000.  Their desire for their children - Joyce Bagwell,Vondelere Lawson, Elaine Watkins (deceased), Kenneth Watkins, Avery Watkins (deceased), LaVerne Barnett, Lionel Watkins and their children’s children and beyond was for God’s blessings to be upon them.

Her education in public school and at Mt. Olivet church school did not culminate in a  diploma but, she shared many words of wisdom to her children to assist them in staying on the right track and she managed her household and income better than many who had much more education and income than herself.

Although Selma spent much of her time as a stay at home Mom, as her children began to attend school she decided to work for the Winslow Township School System as a Cafeteria Aide.   She was very memorable and loved amongst the school children.  Many children’s lives were touched and her work in the school system climaxed in her retirement in 2001.

Selma was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist church in the 1930’sand became a member of the Mt. Olivet Seventh-day Adventist Church in Camden, NJ.  She truly enjoyed being a member of Mt. Olivet and did her best to be on time for Sabbath School when she could.  In the early years she was for a short time a deaconess and sang on the choir.  In her later years she assisted AY in collecting funds at their youth social events and at times contributed one of her delicious cakes for Sabbath lunches at the church. 

Mom as her children called her, and Mom-Mom to the grand and great-grand children had a quick wit and even when she was a “little” rough it would be brushed aside and she would be embraced for her unique love toward them.  She loved her children dearly and always looked forward to visits from her grand and great-grand children.  She was Mom -Mom to many and would always ask when she could expect a visit.  Selma also extended the invitation to visit, to various church members who also enjoyed the food and fellowship at her home. 

Selma was blessed to reach 90 years of age on November 29, 2017.  The surprise celebration that her children prepared for her was fitting for the beloved Queen that she truly had become. She was so happy that she continued to discuss how wonderful the celebration was and that she had no idea that her children were planning such a grand event in her honor.  Selma was truly a blessing and will be sorely missed by many.

Selmaleaves to mourn:  daughter Joyce Bagwell (Ernie), son Kenneth (Lorene) Watkins, daughter LaVerne (Vernon) Barnett; son Lionel (Marcia) Watkins, step-daughter, Vondelere (Robert) Lawson, daughter-in-law Francis Watkins, brother Eugene (Virginia) Bagwell, brother MasalineTswago, sister Gloria Thomas-James, brother Jerome Thomas, grand children – Dawn Johnson, Sharon Johnson, Janessa, Zsakeba (Jonathan), Trymaine (Gabrielle), Kewaun,  Tasha, Demetrius, Te’Nesha, Avery Jr., Ayricca, Zemira, Nevin (Karene), Petrina (Stephen), Amira, Angelina;great-grand children – Jevon, Sierra , Johana, Kennedi, Eden, Nola, Mateo, Zhariya, Londyn, Hadiya, Sabali, TeNiya, Brianna, Jamil, Zuriand a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and dear friends.