Obituary for Marie M. Watkins
Mother Marie M. Watkins transitioned this life to her heavenly home on Septem-ber 12, 2020. She was born in Leeds, AL, to Clark and Willie Gamble, July 27, 1937 and graduated from Molton High School in 1954. Mother Watkins relocated to Toledo, OH for better opportunities where she then met and married, Deacon Hu-bert Watkins in 1957; the two remained married for 58 years—only through death did they part—to their union were born three children. Mother Watkins is preced-ed in death by her parents, Clark and Willie Gamble, two brothers and a sister, her loving husband, Hubert, and their two sons, Hubert Jr. (1959) and Terry Watkins (2020).
Mother Watkins was a dedicated and faithful servant of the Lord. She joined Bethel Apostolic Temple, was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost in 1963. She was committed to her service to the Lord, over the years, she sang in the choir, was an altar work but most notably served as a Sunday school teacher for over 55 years until becoming ill. Mother Watkins did not believe in missing church—rain or shine—she was a warrior—she attended Sunday morning, afternoon and night service not to mention choir rehearsal, Bible class, Missionary Meeting, Las Fidelis and Friday night services under the leadership of both Elder Ernest Cross and Elder Eldridge Levey.
Mother Watkins was an anointed woman of God, she believed God, she was a prayer warrior—she knew how to get a prayer through on your behalf. Mother Watkins worked much of her adult life caring for children (spiritually and naturally)—she cared for children in her home for more than 50 years, provided child care services through Lucas County Department of Jobs & Family Services for 16 years and worked 16 years at Plaza Care Ministry Nursing Home as well. She cared about the souls of people. Her passion, in addition to caring for children, was leading others to Christ. She witness to those around her about Christ—instilling the importance of joining and attending a church.
Mother Watkins leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted daughter, Claudette “Suzee” (Duane) Shuler; daughter-in-law, Carol Watkins, grandchildren, Terry Watkins, Jr. of Chicago, IL, Christopher Watkins of North Carolina, Devond (Finse) Shuler, Ryan (Angelica) Shuler, Rashad (Ashlei) Shuler of Columbus, OH; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Jr., Shaarya, Rylee, Devond, Jr., Kylee, Ciara and Jeremi-ah Shuler; devoted sister, Claudia Spidell; devoted sister-in-law, Julia Echols; spe-cial nephew Michael Morris, who was a faithful visitor and supporter (Barbara), Jessie, Phillip, Ken, Lorenzo, Eddie, Michael, Jr. and Darren (Lee); nieces Mickie, April, Carol, Cynthia, Diane, Loulianne, Candace and Erica; her special daughter, Minister Terri Houston Washington, who also served as a dedicated caretaker; spiritual daughter, Minister Sharon Heard; and a host of relatives, friends, her for-mer Bethel Apostolic Temple and Fitchland Avenue families.
Mother Watkins was a dedicated and faithful servant of the Lord. She joined Bethel Apostolic Temple, was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost in 1963. She was committed to her service to the Lord, over the years, she sang in the choir, was an altar work but most notably served as a Sunday school teacher for over 55 years until becoming ill. Mother Watkins did not believe in missing church—rain or shine—she was a warrior—she attended Sunday morning, afternoon and night service not to mention choir rehearsal, Bible class, Missionary Meeting, Las Fidelis and Friday night services under the leadership of both Elder Ernest Cross and Elder Eldridge Levey.
Mother Watkins was an anointed woman of God, she believed God, she was a prayer warrior—she knew how to get a prayer through on your behalf. Mother Watkins worked much of her adult life caring for children (spiritually and naturally)—she cared for children in her home for more than 50 years, provided child care services through Lucas County Department of Jobs & Family Services for 16 years and worked 16 years at Plaza Care Ministry Nursing Home as well. She cared about the souls of people. Her passion, in addition to caring for children, was leading others to Christ. She witness to those around her about Christ—instilling the importance of joining and attending a church.
Mother Watkins leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted daughter, Claudette “Suzee” (Duane) Shuler; daughter-in-law, Carol Watkins, grandchildren, Terry Watkins, Jr. of Chicago, IL, Christopher Watkins of North Carolina, Devond (Finse) Shuler, Ryan (Angelica) Shuler, Rashad (Ashlei) Shuler of Columbus, OH; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Jr., Shaarya, Rylee, Devond, Jr., Kylee, Ciara and Jeremi-ah Shuler; devoted sister, Claudia Spidell; devoted sister-in-law, Julia Echols; spe-cial nephew Michael Morris, who was a faithful visitor and supporter (Barbara), Jessie, Phillip, Ken, Lorenzo, Eddie, Michael, Jr. and Darren (Lee); nieces Mickie, April, Carol, Cynthia, Diane, Loulianne, Candace and Erica; her special daughter, Minister Terri Houston Washington, who also served as a dedicated caretaker; spiritual daughter, Minister Sharon Heard; and a host of relatives, friends, her for-mer Bethel Apostolic Temple and Fitchland Avenue families.