dear Kim
my noble husband and loving father
passion and compassion filled your whole being
doting on the sublime of family and home
tending to the health of gardens and community
I could always make you laugh
we are forever
You make me smile
Peace&Love,
michele


Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints in snow.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circles light
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.
-Native American prayer

THIS BIO IS A WORK IN PROGRESS, DON'T HESITATE TO SEND FEEDBACK!

Rev. Dr. Williams L. Watkins, Jr.
Retired BMBC Pastor Emeritus
Bible Teacher & Preacher
ThG, BRE, BA. ThM, LittD.

Rev. Dr. Watkins was a native of Pensacola, Florida, the son of William L. Watkins, Sr. and Lizzie Mary Watkins. Dr. Watkins and his sister, Ms. Cleopra Odessa Robinson, were one year apart in age. The entire family were members of the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. There, Dr. Watkins confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized by Rev. Dr. James A. Clausell, Pastor. Passionate about entrepreneurship, he started his first newspaper business, The Junior Press, at age 15. He used his skills in photography to augment his news stories.

Dr. Watkins studied journalism at the Lincoln University, School of Journalism in Jefferson City, Missouri. He published the College Weekly and Campus Magazine while on campus. After attending Lincoln University, Rev. Dr. Watkins relocated to Harlem. He continued his studies in Photo Journalism at CCNY while working in the office of the Dean of Student Life, Evening Division. He also studied magazine circulation, sales and promotion at N. Y. U. Dr. Watkins continued to work as a freelance photographer, publishing his own paper, The New York Evening Express, and selling Comic Books in store fronts and on the Harlem street side. Soon, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the College of New Rochelle, School of New Resources, and New York Theological Seminary. Thirsty for biblical instruction, Dr. Watkins attended several other biblical education institutions in the New York area. He became a member of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in 1950 and was very active in soul winning. That same year, Dr. Watkins’ son, Ronald Darrell Williams, was born and raised in Jefferson City, Missouri.

In 1980, he was licensed to preach the gospel by Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Proctor. Dr. Watkins worked diligently in various churches in Harlem to advance the gospel. He held various roles, including teaching and assisting those called to pastor. Once ordained, Dr. Watkins faithfully assisted the pastor of Little Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and later became Pastor/Retired Pastor Emeritus of Bethlehem Moriah Baptist Church.

Ministerial Work
1989- Served at Bethany Baptist Church.
1994-95 - Served as Interim Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church
1995-96 – Served as Interim Pastor of Second Corinthian Baptist Church.
2005-08 -Served as Supply Pastor at Bethany Baptist Church.

Other Service
• UMBA Congress of Christian Education and New Testament Instructor- Former Associate Dean.
• New York Baptist Education Center
o Former Dean of Chapel
o Professor of Preaching
• United Missionary Association- Former Historian
• Rev. Dr. John L. Scott Associate Ministers of UMBA- Life Member
• The Baptist Ministers Evening Conference of Greater New York & Vicinity
o Life Member
o Corresponding Secretary
o Former Presidents Awardee.
• Baptist Ministers Evening Conference of the Bronx, New York City & Vicinity
o Life Member
o Corresponding Secretary
• Baptist Ministers Evening Conference of Greater New York & Vicinity
o Life Member
• The Brooklyn Baptist Evangelical Union
o Vicinity & Corresponding Secretary
• Monthly Union Praying Band
o Recording Secretary
• Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement
o An original founder
o Minister of Information
o Newsletter Contributor
o Historian
o Photographer
• The Positive Community Magazine
o Staff photographer
o Distributor
• Metropolitan Interdenominational Minister's Conference
o Member
• United Missionary Baptist Association
o Member
• Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH)
o Photographer

Awards
• NY-BEC Achiever Award
• Black Media, Inc. Merit Award
• HCCI Elders of the Vision Award
• Lincoln University (Mo) 50 year Alumni Award
• Abyssinian Baptist Church Missionary Recognition
• WAUMBA Special Recognition
• UMBA Ministers Wives & Widows
• Life Member JLScott Associate Ministers
• Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater New York & Vicinity

Gail was born on December 11, 1948, in Dallas to Pete and Patsy Harris. Sharon was a fiery redhead who grew up in West Dallas where she spent most of her childhood days outside with her siblings, playing and getting into trouble. She was a very funny, naive and loveable person who loved reading her Bible, playing bingo and Scrabble, watching scary movies and spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite drink was Dr. Pepper or a fountain Coca-Cola with a lot of ice. She would say the first thing that popped in her head rather it was good or bad. Gail worked as a housekeeper and then later became an apartment manager. Gail loved helping others even if it meant she had to do without. She loved to tell stories and make jokes with others. Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. She leaves behind her son, Shane Harris and wife Rachel; siblings, Anita, Peter (Bo), Phillip and wife Darlene, Josie (Jody) and husband Dale, Cheyenne and spouse Kim; grandchildren, Ryan (Lupita), Christina (David, Sr.), Kaylee (Elijah), Justin, Alexander, Daniel; great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, David, Jr, Eli, Kellin and Ivory; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members. Gail was loved by everyone and her sense of humor will be missed by all.

Steven was the kind of man that had BIG dreams and a kind heart. He loved his kids and was a great father. He was spirited and energetic. He was helpful and patient and even when he didn't have much for himself he was always willing to offer up what he did have to help others. He had this energy that pulled people to him like a magnet. He was strong and fearless.. He was honest even when he knew it would be to his detriment. He was a hard worker and always did what needed to be done. He was someone you could count on, he was my soulmate, and I will miss him for the rest of my life.