Dorothy Maynard Watkins

We watched you slowly pass away. We prayed so hard for you to stay But now we realize that God knows best So He called you from illness, so you may truly rest. Dorothy Maynard Watkins was the fourth sibling of the late Willie Lee and Leona Maynard, born November 4, 1929, a native of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. She was educated and attended the Warren County's Training School in Warrenton, North Carolina. Dorothy accepted Christ at an early age and joined Cooks Chapel Baptist Church in Warren Plain, North Carolina which remained her home church. She met her dear friend and love of her life, Henry Lovelace Watkins and they were united in holy matrimony, January 1954. Upon relocating to Richmond, they joined Fourth Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Leonidas B. Young. Dorothy loved reading the Bible, her newspaper daily, working in her garden and listening to gospel music. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Despite being an amputee, she never allowed that to stop her from doing anything and as she continued to be an outgoing blossom of love. She was a very honest and caring person that cared for her only grandson, Lorenzo. She didn't mind sharing advise to others and was very strong willed. Dorothy was the backbone of the family after the passing of her husband Henry of 57 years. Her loving spirit was not just an inspiration to family, but to others as well. Dorothy was kind, friendly and thoughtful to all that graced her presence. She had a tremendously big heart, glorious smile and to know her was to truly love her. Dorothy always wanted to make everyone happy and comfortable, especially with her good cooking. God also blessed her with the gift of living 89 years. Dorothy was preceded in death by her four siblings and her son, Lorenzo L. Watkins. The evening of Wednesday, May 1, 2019, Dorothy had a phone called placed to her great niece, Shannon in Suffolk, Virginia. During that time God was preparing the transition from earth to heaven as mom waited for her to arrive. With heartache and love family members, Shannon, Adryan, Ja'Lyn, Dwight, Veverly and Tommie (via Skype) was able to spend time with her in prayer and celebrating her future everlasting life. Also, her four-legged fur baby Harriet stayed by her bedside. She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted daughter and loving son-in-law which were her caregivers, Veverly and Dwight Grant; grandson, Lorenzo Lee Henry which she adored deeply; caring sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gertrude Patterson (Frank); great-nieces, Shannon King, Shelly Gibson; great-nephews, Tommie Hawkins and Jamal Hawkins; great-great niece, Adryan Baskin and Ja'Lyn Wortham; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Dorothy Maynard Watkins

November 4, 1929 - May 1, 2019