Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA

Obituary For Marvin Watkins

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God”

Celebrating the life of a noble man…..

Loving, caring, insightful, generous, humble, intellectual, God fearing. These are merely a few of the words that describe Marvin Wray Watkins.

Marvin was born on July 30, 1956, in Martinsville, Virginia, to Golden Watkins and Thalia Ramsey Watkins. Marvin peacefully went home to be with the Lord on January 17, 2021.

Marvin lived in a loving family that included his parents, himself, one brother, and one sister. Marvin gave his life to the Lord at Jerusalem Christian Church in Martinsville at an early age. He attended school in Henry County VA during his formative years achieving exceptional status as a scholar and vocalist.

In the mid 1980’s after attending Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia, Marvin moved to the Washington D.C. area. Marvin spent most of his professional career working in information technology for several financial institutions including the Capital One Bank and Thompson Reuters, LLC.

He loved church and singing and made Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in Northeast Washington D.C. his church home for over 3 decades. Marvin loved his pastors Archbishop Alfred A. Owens Jr., Co-Pastor Susie Owens and his church family.

Marvin wanted to serve and became one of Archbishop Owens’ original drivers. Marvin continued to be an integral part of the church’s ministry and upwardly bound towards increased membership. Marvin served on the Trustee Board, Deacon Board and most notably the Music Ministry just to name a few.

Marvin was kind to all with his funny wit and easy to approach but a Christ first attitude. Everyone loved him and wanted to be around this servant of the Lord. “Who is this man?” Friendships have bloomed to hundreds. Many witnessed it!

Marvin was loved and his presence will be missed by all. He wanted everyone to be happy and comfortable.

Marvin’s rich memories will remain in the hearts of his brother, Gerald Golden Watkins (Mary Roush); sister, Brenda Watkins Noel (H. Leonard Richeson); Nieces, Chelsi DeVon Watkins, Nyia Lynn Noel and E. Ramsey Noel, and a host of relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 2 P.M. at Carver Memorial Gardens. A public viewing will be held Monday, January 25, 2021 from the hours of 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. at Hairston Funeral Home. In accordance with the CDC, a face covering, and social distancing will be required.

Guest Book

I'm so sorry for your loss. I just found out today. Marvin was a special friend of mine and I loved him as a brother. Our friendship started while I was a member of GMCHC. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace my friend and I love you.

- na

Although I returned to Philly, you kept me in touch with GMCHC. Carpooling to church from Cypress Creek was a joy. Singing in the choir under your leadership was a fun but serious ministry. Everything everyone said about is what I know to be true. Rest well. I'm glad FB was good for something, it brought us closer. See you in that Great getting up morning, Marv!

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Praying for comfort and strength for the family 🙏❤️

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My deepest sympathy to Brenda and Gerald. May GOD comfort you at this time. My sincere condolences......Rita Brooks Taylor

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Marvin, thank you the love you shared. You will be missed. Rest in God's love!

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Marvin, I'm still finding it hard to believe! Thank you for the friendship. Although we hadn't seen one another in a while, we still kept in touch. I will definitely miss our silly exchanges and bantering! Rest well my friend! I Love you! My thoughts are prayers are with your family! J. Fitzgerald Hicks

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My thoughts and prayers are with Marvin Watkins family. Marvin will truly be missed!!

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My thoughts and prayers are with Marvin Watkins family. Marvin was a wonderful person and will truly be missed.

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My Dear Marvin, I can't believe that you are no longer with us. I am going to miss your smile, your laughter and your wisdom. Your Praise team is truly going to miss you singing that tenor line and the worship we would experience when we would minister together. Rest well my Friend, you will never be forgotten. Love you Forever! Maria

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Marvin, you were such an encouraging and giving person. My fellow Leo you will be missed.

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My condolences to Marvin's family and friends. What a consistently amazing person he was. He knew exactly what to say and when to say it. A very kind spirit. He will truly be missed. Fly high Marvin! Ray Raymo

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My condolences to Gerald and Brenda and the Watkins family in the loss of your brother affectionately remembered as Ray sincerely Ken Jamison

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Love your bright candle light shinning Sir, may you sing a new song: Redeem

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Marvin Watkins was a great servant and took much pride in serving his church and its people as a Deacon. However, as we watched him combating his illness, he became a great example of being "more than a Conqueror" as scripture relates. He was a walking testimony of the Lords grace and mercy; never complaining but always encouraging. He will be missed is an understatement but knowing that He is with his heavenly Father brings us much peace over losing him. All our prayers to his family and friends. Deacon Chairman Thomas Wright

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So sorry for your loss you have my condolences we serve with Marvin on the choir for many years at Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church. Always remembered him smiling and laughing and just being a genuine kind person. My heart was saddened to hear of his home going but it was eased, by the word of God found in 2 Corinthians 5:8 Authorized (King James) Version 8 we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. We are praying for the family that the peace the love and the strength of God carry you through this season. With love and sympathy, Minister Donna mack

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My deepest sympathy to the family of Marvin "Ray" Watkins. Ray and I have been friends since Leatherwood Elementary school and that friendship went through Laurel Park High school as well as to Virginia State University. We still kept in touch and I was often encouraged by his uplifting spirit as he battle his illness. He was a true friend and will be missed. Wanda (Colleen) Hairston Fells, Ft. Washington, MD

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God bless the family of Marvin Watkins. May God give you His peace, comfort, and strength! I sang with Marvin on the Male Chorus for years, and I currently served with him on the Deacon Board. He always put a smile on my face with his sense of humor. He will certainly be missed by all of us! Michael Lassiter

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I met Marvin in 1985, we worked together at Disclosure. I later joined GMCHC in 1992 until 1997 when I relocated to MD, where I'm now a member of FBCG. Marvin was so special to me. We became no longer just coworkers, but friends! We had the pleasure of Marvin singing at our wedding 33 years ago. We wanted his gift so badly that we changed our date because we were originally supposed to get married on his birthday. We would joke about it every year when I wished him a happy birthday. We chatted often and texted daily. I too, battled with Cancer and with the grace of God, defeated it! We uplifted each other, encouraged each other and prayed for each other. I think of him daily...he will truly be missed! Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family, GMCHC family, and friends of Marvin. He is resting in the bosom of Jesus 🙌🏾🙏🏽♥️

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My sincere condolences to the family. Such good memories are flooding my mind of us singing and touring together in the Virginia State College Gospel Choir. I will miss your occasional texts to check up on me. Rest now my Pooh Bear. God has you singing in His choir now. Janice Baxter Roanoke VA

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I am sending sincere condolences to the Watkins family. Words cannot heal the pain of losing someone so dear. May God give you the strength to overcome the pain. I am praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time. Love, Robin Mitchell Scott.

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My heart was heavy when I heard the word that Marvin, my friend and brother for over 30 years had passed. But I take comfort in knowing that he is with the Lord. No more sickness, no more pain. He is healed and whole!!! Rest well my brother, you will forever be in our hearts❤🕊 Judi Ramsey and family

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Wow ... ALLs I can say is that we all will miss Pooh. This one really hurts. Prayers to the family ... Freddie Lee Burwell

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Wray was a very special child. I have fond memories of him looking so proud in his cub scout uniform! He took his studies seriously too by always carrying his full book bag with him to and from school. It looked as if weighed a ton, but he managed. May the Grace of God be with your family. He is able. The Hodge Family, Arlene Ingram Peggy Hairston LaVerne DeSett

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Brother Deacon, your laughter, your smile, your courage for the way you endured the battle, your transparency and the love for God you showed no matter how you felt inspired the me and the brothers on the Deaconboard. My memories of you will endure. May your family members know that you touched many people. Our prayers are with all of you.

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I am really going to miss you, my friend, but I understand that our Father has healed you on the other side. Rest in Paradise and pray for us down here.

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RIP my friend God has healed all your pain now. Rest easy! Sean

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Marvin,Words can't Express my heartfelt Sympathy during this Hour of transition. I will miss You greatly!! To be absent from the body is to be Present with the Lord. Good night for now!! I will see you in the morning. Deacon Roger Morris. Cell Group 3

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Marvin was my coworker and I will miss him dearly. Rest in peace Marvin. Your prayer warrior Sarah.

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Marvin you have run well your race, you kept the faith in the midst of your pain and burdens. Now you have finished your course after favorably touching the lives of so many with your ministry through music, leadership and living the righteous life. I value the many chats that we had and they encouraged me. Rest well cousin, we will see you in the morning. Rev. Dr. Raymond C. Ramsey and Kathy.

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Marvin you have run well your race, you kept the faith in the midst of your pain and burdens. Now you have finished your course after favorably touching the lives of so many with your ministry through music, leadership and living the righteous life. I value the many chats that we had and they encouraged me. Rest well cousin, we will see you in the morning. Rev. Dr. Raymond C. Ramsey and Kathy.

- na

Rest in victory Pooh. I will miss you. You are singing with the heavenly choir now. My condolences to the Watkins family. Love youn BERTRAM

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Rest easy my friend, we'll take it from here.

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I will miss you Pooh!

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Sorry for your loss we will keep your family in our prayers

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Lord allow me to choose the "right words" to acknowledge a true friend, a brother in Christ and a true believer, in you. What do you say to honor someone you have known for over 40 years? We sang next to each other season after season during our years at Virginia State singing in the Gospel Choir. There is where we forged a bond that lasted until your departure from this earth to heaven. You were even a groom's man in my sister's wedding! It must have been through divine intervention that we remained so close. I miss our daily texting and our occasional conversations over the phone. Those conversations meant more to me than you would every know. I can still hear your contagious laugh as we attempted to end our conversation. You took "One Step" towards your heavenly home. My only hope is that I can meet you brother someday where we can continue our bond of friendship and worship the Lord together. I miss you, Pooh. Your spiritual brother and constant friend forever, John C.

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Sorry to hear of the passing Ray we were at Virginia State College (at that time ) . My prays are with you . I will always remember that how Ray would always have a warm smile to greet you with. Ivan Foster

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Thanks for all the encouragement and inspiration you always gave.you were special to me as we both fought cancer sending prayers and condolences to to your loving family 🙏🏽❤

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I remember Marvin when we would sing in the tenor section in the Sanctuary choir. He has always been a great guy. Later on trough the years I found out he was from my mothers hometown Martinsville Virginia. My you rest in peace buddy.

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Marvin you will remain in our hearts and on our minds especially on Wednesday nights as we shared the love and laughter at our favorite tv shows! Brad and I will continue to keep an eye on your girl April! God Bless the Watkins Family!❤️

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Marvin ("G"), deal soul and friend - though we worked together decades ago, I have have photos of you on my albums at home and think of you often. You are always remembered and made a difference in my life, and the lives of others. You will be missed. - Jcd

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We only knew him as Ray or "Soul..." as he and I would joke later in life. He would say, "That's for only special friends!" I said, I know my brother!. A special friend to me and my wife, Colleen. No good-byes!

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Sincerely Tracy Adams and family..Rest in peace Marvin Watkins..My deepest sympathy to the Watkins family, friends and Marvins church family. Amen 🙏

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My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Watkins family, friends and Marvins church family. I met Marvin in 1985 at Disclosure Inc in Bethesda MD, we there became friends and remained close through the 35 years. I live in Dc so I will be attending the memorial virtually, Rest my dear friend, I will always keep you in my memory and my ❤. I will miss you Marvin Watkins😪🙏 I choose a purple candle because of your Choir robe 💜you always loved your temple and singing for everyone and as you worship God!. Rip and Power! Amen 🙏

- na

Marvin was a true servant of the Lord and a great friend. I have so many memories of Marvin from our GMCHC choir singing days and I will cherish every moment and memory of you my friend. Your labor is done on this side and now you can rest TIL THAT GREAT GETTING MORNING when the dead in Christ shall rise first...oh glory to God for the promise, for the Word of God. My prayers and condolences to the family🙏🏾

- na

Oh, how life changes our plans. You left me on my birthday after telling me "Happy Birthday Sis! We got this!" Now my birthday has an even more special meaning. You were my support as we went through this cancer battle together and I yours. Rest well and praying for me. I'll miss you Marv and will always remember you.❤️

- na

I'll always cherish these past few months. It was my greatest honor to serve with you. I know you were working up enough strength to return to the choir, but God had other plans. We'll accept what he has allowed. Take your rest my dear friend. Rest in love until we meet again.

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All around great person from our tight knit Camp Branch community. A mentor to us younger ones...an influence and a staple of the neighborhood....Peaceful Journey....you will be missed.

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My most sincere condolences to the Watkins Family. I pray God's comfort and peace rest upon you. Rest in Heaven my VSU and Sanctuary Choir Brother! Darrel Snowden

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Marvin was a great soul; easy to chat with, an infectious laugh and a big heart. His strong Christian faith remained steadfast in spite of all he was going through. I will miss him dearly. I am honoring him with a green candle for his beloved Eagles.

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I worked with Marvin in Rockville, MD in the early 2000's. He was always great fun to work with, have lunch with, and laugh with. He heroically fought cancer and used his faith to keep him going. Marvin, I know you are looking down on us and I hope we can see each other again! --Matt Bonner

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Marvin was my co-worker, boss, friend and part of my family. I loved his robust laugh and his looks that could take someone down. To know Marvin was to love Marvin. I will miss you my friend but will always carry you in my heart. Jami Spangler (#88/#54)

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We would like to express our sincere condolences and prayers to the Watkins family during this difficult time for the loss of your beloved brother, Ray. It is still so very hard to believe that he is no longer with us. Memories of growing up with Ray in the Camp Branch community, being in the Jerusalem Junior Church Choir and Junior Usher Board, playing softball in our proclaimed baseball diamond spot, weekend adventure bike rides, and being classmates from the first grade at Leatherwood, through the twelfth grade at Laurel Park have always been fond memories of mine. Ray was always a sweet and genuine friend and he will be greatly missed. "God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!" – Matthew 5:4 ~Jesse & Colleen (Carter) Hairston, Laurel Park HS, Class of 1974~

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Sorry for your Loss, Sending condolences and a Heartfelt prayer that God's loving presence will bring Comfort to the Family. The Life Society, Hazel W. Spencer, President.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA