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Obituary for GERALD LINWOOD WATKINS, SR.
Gerald Linwood Watkins Sr. was born June 22, 1953, in Lusby, Maryland, to the late David and Helen Watkins. On Tuesday, December 18, 2012, in the comfort of his earthly home, Gerald entered into his eternal rest with his beloved wife Sheila at his side. Gerald received his education in the Calvert County Public School System where he graduated from Calvert Senior High School, class of 1971. At an early age, Gerald dedicated his life to Christ and became a faithful member at Eastern United Methodist Church where he served on the Men's Committee. Gerald faithfully attended the services and meetings until his illness made it difficult to endure. On June 19, 1982, Gerald entered into Holy Matrimony to lifelong friend and soul mate Sheila M. Woody of Dowell, Maryland. From this union they welcomed their bouncing baby boy, Gerald Linwood Watkins, II. They resided in the Lusby area where they made a home for their family and opened their doors to many friends. Gerald worked with Building Laborers Local 74 as a Master Concrete Finisher on the Thomas Johnson Bridge in Solomons, Maryland. A few years passed and Gerald decided to pursue a career in law enforcement as a Correctional Officer with the Calvert County Government. After 5 years of service, he transferred his career to the Prince Georges County Government, Department of Corrections. Gerald had such a compassionate heart and embraced everyone in spite of their status in life. He was always too trusting, like one of the many times he left his keys in his vehicle with the windows down at the Detention Center. I guess you could imagine how that turned out; it became an instant ride for an inmate who had just been released. On December I, 2001, after his elder sister Doris became ill, Gerald decided to retire after 20 years of dedicated service. After retirement he and his son decided to show a labor of love to the community and began providing lawn services to the elderly. Gerald had such a love for nature and the great outdoors; it was where he found peace basking in all of God's Glory. He also cared dearly for his mother-in-law Drusilla Gough for 3 years. Gerald was known for his gentle spirit and his sense of style (crowned 'Best Dressed' for the class of 1971). He enjoyed spending quality time with his wife on their many excursions and with his son laughing at their favorite comedians. His favorite pastime was playing cards with his friends (Pinochle was the game of choice), so they called themselves 'The Pinochle Club.' He and his friends were such avid players his family teased him and called their game sessions 'Union Meetings.' He was a reliable person but when it came to Pinochle, everything else had to wait. Gerald, who was lovingly called 'Spanky' (by his mother), 'Motto,' 'Baby Boy' and the self renowned 'Grill-Master' (because he had such a way with FIRE), will be truly missed by all who knew him. Gerald leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife and friend of thirty years, Sheila M. Watkins; his J in-laws, Melvin R. 'Big Daddy' (deceased) and Drusilla W. Gough; one son, Gerald II; two sisters, Doris (deceased), and Betty; three brothers, David J r. 'Buddy' (deceased), Eric 'Lee', Robert (deceased); three sisters-in-law, Naomi, Dianne, Brenda; seven brothers-in-law, John Woody (Joan), Ralph 'Pee Wee'(deceased) and Judy Johnson, Melvin 'Butch' Gough (deceased), Michael Gough (Jennette), Mark Gough (Karen), George Williams and Julius Ford; (Gerald took great pleasure in helping to raise his nieces and nephews), nieces, Donna, Shann, LaShawne (Stephen), Michelle (DeRon), and DaSheia 'Dee'; nephews, David, Keith (Leslie), Karleyun (Patrice), Robert (Robin) , Anthony 'AJ', Glenwood 'Lee', Linwood 'Levi'(Kyna), and Juan 'Vonnie' (Monique); special cousins, James Marrow (Nannie), Debbie, Patricia, Timmy, Ronald and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, family, and friends and honorary member of the family, his adopted stray cat 'Snaggles.' Gerald held a special place in his heart for Friends and Extended Families: Eastern United Methodist Church Family, St. John's United Methodist Church Family, Vincent Thomas and Sidney Gross (Lifelong Friends), Alexander Briscoe, Amos and Celeste Sewell, Earl Washington, Gordon 'YD' Torney, Tommy Johnson, Howard Chase, Rodney Thomas, Louis Long, William Hutchins, Larry Gross, Ronald Clark, Henry Kent, Howard Brooks, Marvin Stewart (his personal counselor), The Tibbs', The Estes', The Bennette's, and the entire Prince Georges County Government, Department of Corrections Family.
