Barbara Watkins Hagans

Barbara Jean Watkins’ journey began as the daughter of the late Johnnie and Sarah Watkins. Barbara was born on October 29, 1946 in Washington, DC and departed this life on October 18, 2018 after a lengthy illness. Educated in the DC Public School system, Barbara attended Charles Young Elementary School, Brown Junior High School and Spingarn High School. She then attended Howard University from 1964 to 1968. Barbara’s career began at the Metropolitan Police Department in 1968 where she met the man who would become her husband, Leon Hagans. They married in June 1970. From this union two daughters were born, Leslie and Lynn. In the early 1970’s, Barbara began working for the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs as a contract representative. In this capacity, she was responsible for assisting several licensing boards, including nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy and cosmetology. As personable as Barbara was, she made numerous friends and will be missed by everyone who knew her. She dedicated her life to family and community service, often mixing both. As the family historian, Barbara traced our family tree and, among the many branches, discovered that we have a Buffalo Soldier in our lineage. Barbara volunteered with many organizations like the No Greater Love Foundation that provided help to military persons and their families, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Friends of the Library, and the Montford Point Marine Association. Often enlisting her family to also participate and volunteer, Barbara taught us the value of helping others. In addition to the organizations in which she served, Barbara established the We Can Mentor Group for adolescents, which provided mentoring, educational support, college preparation and cultural experiences for young people. Barbara leaves to mourn her husband Leon, daughters Leslie and Lynn, brother Calvin, and sister Joan. She also leaves four special sisters-in-law, Maureen, Linda, Bonnie, and Lynn; two brothers-in-law Ivan and Anthony; four devoted first cousins, Jaqueline, Nadine, Marva and Margaret; two nieces, Caleah and Candice; three great nieces and one great nephew; and a host of other family and friends.

Tributes

Barbara Watkins Hagans

October 29, 1946 - October 18, 2018