Raefield D. Watkins

A LIFE CELEBRATED

ELDER RAEFIELD DEARNOLD WATKINS was born on Monday, September 15, 1952, to Emanuel and Johnnie Frances (Hamm) Watkins in Beards Fork, West Virginia. Rae was the second youngest of six children. He was raised in the coal fields of Page, West Virginia. He was the product of Fayette County Public Schools and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1970. Rae received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from West Virginia Institute of Technology, Montgomery, West Virginia, and a Master’s degree in Safety Education from Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia. He was an avid Marshall Thundering Herd fan.

Rae married Linda D (Walton) Watkins on July 3, 1976; and they relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 1979, where Rae retired from Stanley Electric US (London, Ohio) as a Safety Manager.

Rae enjoyed life with his family and friends, and he never forgot his hometown. If you were from any surrounding area of Page; and Rae knew your whereabouts in Columbus, he maintained contact with you.

Rae was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Through thick or thin, no matter what, he was always there. Rae sacrificed so much so that his family could have a better life. He always gave hope, strength, unconditional love and support to all. Rae was the one that everyone loved and admired.

On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, the angels gathered around his bedside at Kobacker House and began to beckon him into Heaven’s gate – and so he went home to be with the Lord. Rae never doubted his salvation and knew in whom he believed.

Rae was a member of Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies, and served his Pastor and Uncle, Bishop Sherman Watkins, faithfully until his death. Rae was a member of the Ministerial Alliance (Ordained Elder), Usher Board and Safety Committee. He was not one to seek attention or the limelight but worked quietly behind the scenes getting things done in the church. Rae fought a good fight, and he won the race. He is in the presence of the Lord with more love than can be imagined.

Rae is preceded in death by his parents; his paternal and maternal grandparents, son, Aaron Watkins and granddaughter, Domanique Watkins.

Left to forever cherish every moment that the Lord blessed us with Rae’s presence are his devoted wife, Linda D Watkins; children, Dedra Watkins, Esq. Hyattsville, Maryland, Timothy (Brandie) Walton, Groveport, Ohio, Brandi Watkins, Columbus, Ohio, Raefield Watkins II, Atlanta, Georgia, Jasmyne Watkins, Columbus, Ohio; siblings, Priscilla (Bobby) Williams, Mt Carbon, West Virginia, Gloria Peak, Page, West Virginia, Mary (Bishop Howard) Franklin, Decatur, Georgia, John Larry (Kelly) Watkins, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Michael Leroy Watkins, Page, West Virginia, Dr. Sharon (Glenn) Watkins, Morgantown, West Virginia, Ashley Watkins, Morgantown, West Virginia; grandchildren, Eva, Bella, Gabe, Domanique, August, Landyn, Aubrey, Xavian, Dalani, Halo, TaChia (Shy); Uncle, Bishop Sherman Watkins, Columbus, Ohio; Aunts, Freda (Dr. Emmitt) Patterson, Page, West Virginia, Kathryn Coles, Page, West Virginia, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including special nephew, Michael Harrison; special cousin, Greg Watkins, and the Higher Ground Church Family.

“We definitely were not ready for Rae to leave us here in body but we know that his spirit will always be with us. We will find comfort in knowing that he is not suffering anymore and that WE WILL SEE HIM AGAIN…… We shall never forget Rae; for he will always live on in our hearts.”

Visitation 11:00am and Funeral 12:00pm Friday, April 12, 2024 at Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies, 870 St Clair Ave.