Samuel Watkins

Samuel George Watkins, age 71, of Vassar, died Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at his home. A home going celebration of Sam’s life will take place on Thursday, August 31, 2017, at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Vassar. Pastor James Wells to officiate with burial to follow in Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 31, 2017, at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. Samuel was born July 13, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Mr. Humble Strickland and Ms. Genoa Watkins. He attended school in St. Louis, Missouri. Sam married Glory Dean Beedles on April 11, 1965. He was employed with General Motors in Saginaw, Michigan, for 33 years before he retired. In 1976 he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was called into Ministry in 1985. Sam participated in and spearheaded several ministries over the years. He was a member of Mt. Zion Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Pastor James Wells, from 2002 to present. Elder Samuel Watkins served wholeheartedly as head of the Men's Ministry, Youth Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, and as a member of the Trustee Board. He was a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, Deacon/Minister in the Vassar Church of God in Christ, Elder in the End-Times Deliverance Church, Pastor of Deliverance Church of God in Christ, Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Chaplin Assistant for the Forgotten Men’s Ministry and an Elder in the Greater Eastside Church of God in Christ. He loved to fish and cook and he put both of those skills to good use when he and his wife opened up their very own restaurant in Neelyville, Missouri called, “Po Sam’s.” Sam had a brilliant mind which led him to invent many things. He also had a great sense of humor and told the best stories. Sam will truly be missed by all who had the pleasure of being in his presence. Sam leaves to cherish loving memories his devoted wife: Glory Dean; four children: Anthony D. Beedles, Samuel L. Watkins, Akua C. (Jaqueline) Watkins, and Ayanna Watkins-Smith; thirteen grandchildren: Anthony (Cassandra) Beedles, Angela (Jaron) Smalley, Ebony (Anthony) Resurreccion, Monique Beedles, Brandon Greer, Porsha Greer, Jaelyn Watkins, Taylor Matlock, Ashonte Burgess, Davion Watkins, Glory Smith, Christiana Smith, and Quintin Smith; sixteen great-grandchildren: Kingston, Brooklyn, DeNeil, Jared, Aiden, Micah, Elijah, Ava, Noel, Kaelyn, Naomi, Emma, Jordyn, Alayna, Michael and Jeremiah; three siblings: Dorothy Dixon, Edna (Raymond) Harris, and David Watkins; one uncle: Fred White; two special sisters-in-law: Olivia Franklin, and Dorothy Roberts; one special brother-in-law: Larry Roberts; one special niece: Tonka Wood: one special niece/daughter: Tamala (Tammy Wammy) Lambert; one special nephew: George Lambert Jr.; one special sister: Jamie Hill; one special son: Ozzie Swinton; two special daughters: Linda Coleman and Sylvia McCune; one special friend/brother: Johnathan Swinton; several special friends: Elder James and Karen Lewis, Lionel Wallace Sr., Steve and Lynn Franko, Art Meyer, and Gladys Hayes; as well as a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Sam is preceded in death by his father: Humble Strickland; mother: Genoa Watkins; three brothers: Edward Watkins, Cluster Watkins, and Russell Watkins; two sisters: Jeanette Jones and Nadine McComb; uncle: James White; three aunts: Urilla, Emma, and Amelia; and grandson: Donovan Douglas. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to all the family and friends who brought food, sent well wishes, visited with the family, gave their time and talents, and showed support during this most difficult time.