Life’s Reflections
Gwendolyn Ann Johnson Watkins was born on January 5, 1947, in Los Angeles, California, to Riley and Ludell Johnson. At the age of nine, following the death of her mother, Gwendolyn moved with her siblings to Imperial Valley, California, where they were lovingly raised by their grandparents, George and Mattie Hazel Tell.
Affectionately known as “Gwen,” she graduated from Imperial High School in 1964. During her senior year, she was proudly crowned Homecoming Queen. After graduation, Gwen moved to Compton, California, to live with her aunt, Georgia. She attended Compton Cosmetology School and graduated in 1965.
In 1970, Gwen relocated to Beloit, Wisconsin, where she built a life centered around faith, family, friendship, and hard work. Throughout her career, she was employed by Fairbanks Morse and Warner Electric before retiring from Chrysler Corporation after many years of dedicated service.
Gwen had a passion for fashion and always carried herself with elegance and style. She loved fresh flowers, tacos, shopping on QVC, and spending time reading a good book. An avid reader and gifted conversationalist, Gwen never met a stranger. She enjoyed meeting new people, sharing stories, and making everyone around her feel welcomed.
Gwen gave her life to Christ at a young age and remained devoted to her faith throughout her life. She was a faithful member and respected Mother of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Her love for God was reflected in the kindness, encouragement, and compassion she extended to others.
Above all, Gwen loved her family. Her grandsons brought her immeasurable joy, and she affectionately referred to them as her “basketball squad.” She was deeply proud of her children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and great-great-grandson.
Gwen leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted husband, George Watkins; her daughters, Staci Fleming of Beloit, Wisconsin, Stephanie Fleming of Memphis, Tennessee, and Tara (Donta) Evans of Loves Park, Illinois; her stepdaughters, Pamela Kelley, Jalencia (Fred) Finch, and Jeannette (Walter) Williams, all of Memphis, Tennessee; and her siblings, Helena Johnson of Lakewood, California, Florence Johnson of Houston, Texas, Elder Levi (Evelyn) Spencer of Bellflower, California, and Pastor Michael (Ilene) Johnson of Charlotte, North Carolina.
She also leaves her beloved grandchildren, Darryl (Nicole) Grundy Jr. of Kenosha, Wisconsin, De’Anthony Hodges, Blake Fleming, and Jade (Samantha) Smith, all of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Trae Fleming of Madison, Wisconsin; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; her best friend, Brenda (Max) Garrett; Patricia Crawford, whom she loved like a daughter; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family members, and dear friends.
Gwen was preceded in death by her mother, Ludell Johnson; her father, Riley Johnson; her sister, Gladys Johnson; Doris Kent and Paulella Leavy, who were like sisters to her; her granddaughter, Johnna Smith; and her great-grandson, Amani Hodges.
Gwendolyn Ann Johnson Watkins lived a beautiful life filled with faith, family, laughter, style, and love. Her welcoming smile, warm conversations, and unforgettable spirit will live forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Order of Service
Friday, July 31, 2026 12:00 Noon
New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
7786 Poplar Pike • Germantown, Tennessee 38138
Rev. Dr. Donald R. Ester, Pastor
Processional................................................................................The Family of Mrs. Gwendolyn Watkins
Prayer of Comfort...........................................................................................................Clayton Macklin
Scripture Readings:
The Old Testament..............................................................................................................Clergy
The New Testament............................................................................................................Clergy
Musical Selection...........................................................................................................Virginia Macklin
Obituary Reading........................................................................................................Patricia Crawford
Reflections
(Respectfully, Two Minutes Please) Mother Board - Angie Reeves Grandsons
Pastor Michael Johnson Family & Friends Daughters
Musical Selection....................................................................................“Why We Sing” - Kirk Franklin
Eulogy..................................................................................................Reverend Dr. Donald R. Ester, Sr. Recessional
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
herished CMemories
HER LIFE WAS A BLESSING. HER MEMORY IS A TREASURE. SHE IS LOVED BEYOND WORDS AND MISSED BEYOND MEASURE.
The family of Gwendolyn Ann Johnson Watkins gratefully acknowledges every expression of love, kindness, prayer, support, and sympathy shown during this difficult time.
Your visits, telephone calls, messages, flowers, cards, meals, and comforting words have provided strength and encouragement to our family. We deeply appreciate the care shown by our relatives, friends, church family, and community. May God richly bless each of you for helping us celebrate the beautiful life and lasting legacy of our beloved Gwen.
With sincere gratitude, The Family of Gwendolyn Ann Johnson Watkins
Honorary Pallbearers ~
Donta Evans
Michael Gardner
Da’Anthony Hodges
Active Pallbearers ~
Darryl Grundy, Jr.
Jade Smith
Blake Fleming
Trae Fleming
Jhmari Smith Carter Hodges
Interment ~
Memorial Park Southwoods 5485 Hacks Cross Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Repast ~
New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
Services by
www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com
