Donald C. Watkins, Sr.

Donald C. Watkins, Sr., 65, went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at his home in Smithfield, Virginia. Donald was an extraordinary Man of God with exceptional talents serving the Kingdom of God. He loved his family, friends, and all Disciples of Solomon’s Temple Church. Donald had a way of making everyone feel valued, and his words were always honest and genuine. Donald was an active disciple in his church, serving in the Men’s Ministry, Outreach Ministry, Sons of Solomon’s Men Choir, Media Ministry, Church Administration, Bereavement Ministry, and Building Fund Ministry to name a few. Donald had many titles, but the one that stood out the most was “The Computer Guy.” Donald was a cheerful giver. He was blessed, so he enjoyed being a blessing to others. Donald was born in Newport News, Virginia, to the late Sadie Lamberth and James Granderson Watkins.

Donald is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 46 years, Lucy Butts-Watkins; son, Donald “Chris” Watkins, Jr. (Shirlwin) of Chesapeake, Virginia, and daughter, Daphne Watkins Jacobs (Paul) of Ann Arbor, Michigan; four grandchildren, Jordyn and Jaxon Watkins of Chesapeake, and Quinn and Clayton Jacobs of Ann Arbor; mother-in-love, Vernell Tonkins Butts, of Smithfield; three brothers, James (Hardenia) Watkins of Hampton, Virginia; Roynell (Shirley) Watkins of Columbia, South Carolina; Clayton Watkins of Suffolk, Virginia; two sisters, Theresa (Darryl) Miles of Hampton and Felicia Watkins of Lawton, Oklahoma; one brother-in-love, James (Sherri) Butts of Carrollton, Virginia. Donald was an awesome uncle to his nieces and nephews—Lamont Watkins of Reidsville, North Carolina, and Roynell Jr. (Ivy) Watkins of Greensboro, North Carolina, MeShon Watkins of Hyattsville, Maryland, Anthony Evans of Norman, Oklahoma, Christina Evans of Billings, Montana, Daryl (Terviska) Watkins of Chesapeake, Deveda (Matt) Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia, Ashley Miles of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, James Butts, III of Norfolk, Virginia, and Sherena Wilford of Carrollton; and a host of aunts, uncles, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

On Thursday, December 28, 2023, a viewing will take place from 3-6pm with a wake service from 5-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. On Friday, December 29, 2023, a Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am at Solomon's Temple 15088 Mt. Holly Creek Ln. Smithfield, VA. Please keep the Watkins family in your thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers the family would like for you to donate to Solomon’s Temple Building Fund. Solomonstemplechurch.net Cashapp: $stchurch00 or call 757-357-9500