Bishop Thaddeus Cornelius Watkins

WATKINS, Bishop Thaddeus Cornelius - Age 80, passed away Saturday September 13, 2014 at his residence. Family hour 10:30AM Saturday September 20, 2014 at Greater Harvest Church of God, 1900 Inverness Rd., Sylvan Lake, Michigan, with funeral service commencing immediately at 11AM. Elder Julian Watkins, officiating. Elder Kevin Christmon, Host Pastor. Interment Hillview Memorial Cemetery, 8900 Andersonville Rd., Clarkston, Michigan. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:30AM Saturday. Bishop Watkins will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 268 N. Perry St., and may be viewed from 12Noon-8PM Friday. Bishop Thaddeus Cornelius Watkins was born August 20, 1934 in Pontiac, Michigan. He eparted this life on September 13, 2014 surrounded by his family. Bishop Watkins was one of 11 children born to the late Bishop Major Jerome Watkins and Cornelia Izora Watkins. Bishop Watkins was a graduate of Pontiac Central High School where he was a member of the track & field team. He went on to study Medical Technology in college in the state of Indiana and earned his bachelor’s degree. Professionally, he was one of the first African American Medical Laboratory Technicians at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland and Pontiac General Hospital. Bishop Watkins served as President of Watkins Enterprises, one of Pontiac’s largest minority- owned businesses for many years. Bishop also served as a dedicated teacher in the Pontiac and Detroit Public School Systems. He loved studying the Word of God, spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, he was an avid fisherman, and he loved the outdoors. He rededicated his life to The Lord in the 1970’s. For decades he devoted his life to the church and various ministries. His passion was for the lost. In 1980 he accepted the call into the ministry and began preaching The Gospel. In 1997, he became an ordained Elder in the church. He was consecrated as a Bishop in 2006. He served the church for many years as the National Evangelist and made several missionary journeys to Jamaica. Bishop evangelized many inner city neighborhoods in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. He wanted everyone to hear and accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Bishop Watkins also helped to develop the training curriculum for ministers serving in the church. He was a devoted member of the New Life Community Church in Pontiac, Michigan and attended services regularly until his failing health made it impossible for him to leave his home. Bishop Thaddeus Watkins leaves to cherish his memory: six children, Karen Tipper, Thaddeus Jr., Tammara (Larry) Aguado, Margie Jacobs, Julian (Adrienne) Watkins and Nikki Stovall; Eleven grandchildren; one sister Davida Watkins; four brothers, Nathaniel, Richard, Frederick and Ronald (Mary) Watkins; one brother -in-law, Earcy Christmon; many beloved nieces and nephews, very close family members, his extended church family, and many dear friends. Bishop Watkins was preceded in death by his parents, Bishop Major & Cornelia Watkins; two sisters, Irene Christmon & Ruth Ann Johnson; and his brothers Major Jr., Stephen Sr., and James Watkins. The family would like to extend sincere and heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff members of Beaumont Hospital and Clarkston Lakes Family Medicine. The family is truly thankful for the guidance and encouragement provided by his nephew, Dr. Keith Christmon. We would also like to thank the family and friends of Bishop Watkins for their continued prayers, encouragement, and love that has been expressed throughout the years.

Bishop Thaddeus Cornelius Watkins

August 20, 1934 - September 13, 2014