Herman Watkins

Herman Watkins was born January 8, 1959 in Rayville, LA the sixth of ten children to Sherman Sr. and Cora (Allen) Watkins. At an early age he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at Sunshine Baptist Church in Rayville, LA. He was educated in the Louisiana public school system where he was a standout football player.

In 1977 Herman relocated to Seattle, WA. Shortly after relocating he met Karen Smith while managing a Church’s Chicken restaurant. Through this courtship he inherited his first son Kevin Dion Smith. The couple married on May 19, 1978 and to this union four children were born. Three daughters and one son: Crystal Renee, Demica LaNicole, Chante (Shae), and Herman Laveil Watkins.

In 1980 he was introduced to Charles and Debra Arrington who quickly became his lifelong friends. The Arrington family was an instrumental part of his life and were his Seattle family. This family bond remained strong and unbreakable until his death. Through this bond he gained a God Mother, sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews.

Upon moving his church membership to Israelite COGIC he met Lois Carmichael and on February 2, 2008 they were married. Lois remained by his side until his death. He severed as a Deacon at Israelite COCIC under the leadership of Elder Alvin Horton.

Herman loved and welcomed anyone that came into his presence. He loved to show off his barbecuing skills and his sweet potatoes pies were a favorite to everyone. A lover of life and family he enjoyed camping, fishing, grilling, and was the self-proclaimed champion of Bid Whist. He also enjoyed entertaining in his home, attending church, traveling to Louisiana to visit his family, watching football, and listening to the blues. He referred to himself as a blue’s man and a few of his favorite artists were: Marvin Sease, Tyrone Davis, Johnnie Taylor, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and countless others.

A skilled welder by profession, he was also the primary handyman in the family. He could always be counted on to fix a car, a leak, paint a house, drive a U-Haul truck, or whatever you needed because Herman never said NO. He was a fan of football and especially the Seattle Seahawks. He loved his Seahawks regardless of their record and when they finally won Super Bowl 48 he was one ecstatic fan. Herman had a tight bond with his entire family. He shared a special closeness with his siblings and he was proud of the family from which he came. Even though he relocated to Seattle, his Louisiana family remained near to his heart and he never missed a chance to visit them.

Being a father was one of Herman’s greatest accomplishments and he loved his children dearly. His children and grandchildren brought him much joy. He never missed an opportunity to express to them how much he loved them or how proud of them he was.

The Lord called Herman home on Sunday February 21, 2021 at the young age of 62. He leaves to cherish his memory: wife Lois Watkins of Auburn, WA; children Kevin Smith of Federal Way, WA, Crystal Watkins of Coolige AZ, Demica Watkins of Issaquah WA, Chante Watkins of Lawrenceville, GA, and Herman Laveil Watkins of Seattle, WA; nine grand-children, and three step children. Brothers JB (Sandra) Watkins of Fife, WA, Willie (Sandra) Watkins of Rayville, LA, and Henry (Mary) Watkins of Monroe, LA; one sister Bobbie (Roosevelt) James of Rayville, LA; cousin Willie Winston of Seattle, WA and a host of nieces and nephews.

Herman also leaves to cherish his memory his best friend Charles Arrington, sister in love Debra Arrington, brother in love Carl Moss, and a host of extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father Sherman Watkins Sr., mother Cora (Allen) Watkins, brothers Sherman Jr., James, Freddie, and Lee Watkins, two sisters Annie Ruth Watkins and Anna Carroll, uncle William Allen, father in-law Wheaton Smith Jr., God Mother Claudia Taper, sister in love Linda Moss, and second wife Verna Watkins.

Herman was a devoted husband, faithful father, proud grandfather, beloved brother, loving uncle, and forever friend. His infectious laugher will truly be missed, but we take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and at peace. As he would frequently say “Father God, I thank you.” Father God, although we mourn, we thank you for the time we shared with him.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Watkins family.