Bernard J. Watkins

Bernard Joseph Watkins, Sr. was born on June 27, 1953 in Baltimore, Maryland at Baltimore City Hospital Born the second son of the late Elizabeth Clare and James Clarence Watkins, he departed this life suddenly and tragically on November 29, 2012. In 1971 he graduated from Edmond son Senior High School, excelling in three sports: Football, Basketball, and Lacrosse. He attended the University of Maryland for two years on a football and graduated from Morgan State University with a degree in mathematics. Bernard played lacrosse for a brief time while attending Morgan; the historically black institution. The team defeated schools Harvard and Notre Dame. The team’s exploits are recounted in the book Ten Bears (Wikipedia). Bernard and Bernice (Vanessa) joined in married on May 21st and that union resulted in three children (all born in December, 2 years apart) – Tasha in '80, Bernard, Jr. in '82, and Janean in '84. They have lived happily together for over 32 years. He loved his family very much and he took excellent care of his loving wife and three children .he made sacrifices and was always willing to help any member of his family to the best of his ability. Bernard worked as field engineer for the U S Army Material Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA) division at Aberdeen Providing Ground in Maryland for 28 years. His travels took him overseas to places such as Korea; and because he worked for the Department of Defense, he was unable to discuss his job activities. His importance in the field was highly recognized and his dedication to his job was exemplary – hardly missing any time during all his years of work. He applied for early retirement in 2008 after experiencing a stroke in 2007. We knew him as Bernard, Bernie, Teddy Bear, Bunny, Bun Bun, Honey Bun, Honey Bunch, or just anything that represented a whole bunch of sweestuff. He loved his sweets too – chocolate Tasty Cake, butter pecan ice and Hi C Orange. But his favorite food Big Mac! Of all the seven children in the Watkins' home, he was the quiet and thought to take on the characteristics of a mouse. As a child, he loved to play with marbles; he was the champion of the neighborhood at 1703 West Fayette Street. As a young adult he loved to play basketball and was a fierce competitor that made neighborhood teams drool to have him on their side. In fact, he played basketball daily until the age of 54. His basketball skills never faded as he got older and he was still regarded by many as one of the best. He was the splitting image of his father. A leader, caretaker, perfectionist, hard worker yet very modest. With the capability to be quiet as a mouse, you rarely heard him utter an unkind word about anyone. Bernard leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Bernice Vanessa Watkins; his children, Tasha Alverta Watkins, Bernard Joseph Watkins, Jr and Janean Dionne Watkins; his grandchildren, James Tyreek Lyons, Tarshiera Jamere Watkins, Tyshawn Desman Watkins, and Shaniyah Alexis Watkins; his siblings, Eleanora Hall, Alveta Fields,Victoria Mosley, and Elia (Richard) Watkins; his aunt Hilda Jack; his mother-in-law Effie Mae Cooper, father-in-law, Bernard Cooper; brothers-in-law, Wade Hall, Garland Fields, and Allen Mosley; aunt -in-law, Loretta Bond and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Bernard J. Watkins

June 27, 1953 - November 29, 2012