04/10/2026
Albert Thomas Watkins, Sr.
Albert Thomas Watkins, Sr was born in Danville, VA to the late Mrs. Gerldine (Watkins) James, and the late Ernest Johnson on May 20, 1947. Albert was educated in the Casswell County School District to the 10th grade. After leaving school Albert went to work doing various jobs, by age 18 he decided to leave Virginia following in the footsteps of his older siblings by moving to Philadelphia, PA. Albert secured a job working for Shop n Bag, learning and perfecting every department. After 30 years Albert retired and became a school bus driver for First Student Bus Company of which he retired after 10 years. Albert was always a hard worker, starting work at the age of 8 years, he would pick and sell berries or whatever was available to help his family.
While a young man, Albert met and married the late Valerie (Coleman) Watkins. From the union Albert’s only biological son was born. Through the faith of his wife, Valerie he learned about the True God Jehovah and on July 4, 2015 Albert showed that he had made a dedication of his life to Jehovah by getting baptized at the Licorice Center on Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA with the Sharon Hill Congregation.
After the passing of his wife, Albert married Denise Crawford, the two moved to Albert’s hometown town of Danville in Virginia and became a part of the Highland Heights Congregation where he thrived faithfully serving Jehovah. When he got to the Congregation, he met a brother named Malichi Williams, realizing that they knew each other from childhood. They spent most every Saturday morning together in the field ministry along with Stanley Hariston and Reginald Bailey, these brothers took runs picking each other up and enjoying their time together in the ministry each week until the Covid-19 Pandemic hit our community and everyone went on lockdown with the rest of the world. During that time Albert would join the congregation on zoom to write letters to people in our area and to his family sharing the Good News. As his health was in decline he would do all he could for Jehovah even if it was just putting name and addresses on envelopes.
Albert loved playing cards, he was a master in Spades and 25 hundred. He was also part of a bowling league with his niece Diana, for many years. Albert also enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables to share with others and was a good cook. He enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren and great grandchildren; they affectionately called him Pop Pop. Whenever you saw Albert, he always had that infectious smile. He was a very sharp dresser from top of his head to the tips of his toes, everything matched perfectly.
Albert leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Denise (Crawford) Watkins, his son, Albert Watkins, Jr. of Philadelphia, PA; two stepsons Samuel Crawford (Jamillia) of Darby, PA, Terrance Hardman (Brenda) of Sicklerville, NJ; stepdaughter Chiquita Hardman of Sharon Hill PA; one grandson, Dashon Dennis-Watkins of Philadelphia, PA; ten other grandsons and nine granddaughters and six great great grandchildren; one sister, Erma (Watkins) Osborne (Willie) of Danville, VA; sisters-in-law, Sarah Watkins of Aylett, VA, Chiquita Eton of Delaware, Charisse Myers (Briton) of Delaware along with many more sisters and brothers-in-law.
His brother James Watkins, Sr. and sister, Mary Williamson preceded him in death. His nieces and nephews, Shelia Watkins of Yeadon PA, James Watkins, Jr. (Tamika) of Folcroft PA, Darrell Watkins (Terrell) of West Point, VA, Diana Williamson of Delaware, Kimberly Johnson of Manasses, VA, Bonita Stewart (Phillip) of McDonough, GA, and Tosha Boxley (Myone) of Virginia Beach, VA; great nephews and nieces, cousins and friends and his special friends back in Philly, brothers, Raymond Quillen, Marvin Battles, Marvin Armstead and Anthony Purde; his awesome barber, Lou that would come to the house while he was sick and give him a shave and cut.
Albert was a faithful servant of Jehovah and enjoyed telling others about the Bible promises; a good man and a loyal provider he would help anyone that he could. Albert will be dearly missed by all.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. at Danville Kingdom Hall, 118 Jenny Rd, Danville, VA.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Danville Kingdom Hall.
A repass will follow at the Camp Grove Community Center, 119 Bradley Rd., Danville.
For memorials, please consider a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.
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