Cleveland Watkins Jr.

Cleveland Watkins Jr.- born in Shelby, Mississippi on February 24, 1943, the fourth of ten children born to the union of Cleveland Sr. and Mary Ellen Watkins, both of whom preceded him in death. Two sisters, Lillie Reed and Carrie Hall, two brothers, Sylvester (Patricia) Watkins and Willie Gene Watkins, and one son, Alphonso Watkins also preceded him in death. Cleveland was the fourth of ten children and at a young age, he developed a foundation of ethics that would follow him the rest of his life. He learned responsibility and great family values during a time when he was the oldest son at home with a single mother and six younger brothers and sisters. He worked during high school to help his mother support his younger siblings and after graduating high school, he moved to Chicago for better opportunities.

Cleveland married his high school sweetheart Barbara in1963 and became the proud biological father of two sons and one grandson. After the death of his sister, he became a father to her children, and with both his sons marrying into extended families he became grandfather to four other children. He was also a father figure to other nieces and nephews making him the proud grandpa of 10 and great-grandpa of nine.

In 1974 Cleveland began a career with the City of Chicago Department of Water, where he worked as a laborer. Later he trained and became a licensed plumber with the City and later advanced to supervisor of water leak investigations. In August 2007 after having open heart surgery he was on sick leave for a year. He decided to retire from the City of Chicago on June 1, 2008.

He professed his faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized. In November of 2007, Cleveland and his wife Barbara moved their membership to New Bethlehem #4 M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor Louis Montgomery, Sr.

Cleveland leaves to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted wife Barbara; one son, Cleveland Watkins, III; one grandson, Joshua Watkins; three sisters, Mary Watkins of Shelby, MS, Bobbie Humphrey of Renova, MS and Patricia Watkins of Horn Lake, MS; two brothers, Fred Watkins of Chicago, IL and Abedell (Tammy) Watkins of Ruleville, MS; 10 grand children; great grand children; special nieces, Alicia Miles and Daneen Johnson; special nephews, Dorval Reed and Arthur B. Reed; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.