Leroy Eugene Watkins ("Sweet Lee")

"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 A TIME TO BE BORN Leroy Eugene Watkins was born on October 7, 1940, in Washington, D.C., in the historic Georgetown community affectionately known as Foggy Bottom. He was born to the late Juanita Watkins Edwards and Andrew Morrison and was the eldest of two children, sharing a lifelong bond with his beloved sister, Paulette Watkins. Growing up in Foggy Bottom during the 1940s and 1950s profoundly shaped the man Leroy would become. Although Washington, D.C., was our nation's capital, it was still a segregated city. Yet amid those challenges, Foggy Bottom was a thriving African American community where neighbors looked after one another, churches anchored the community, and respect, faith, hard work, and perseverance were simply a way of life. It was a place where front porches became gathering places, laughter echoed through the streets, card games brought families together, and every child was raised not only by their parents but by the entire neighborhood. Leroy was a vibrant, inquisitive, healthy, energetic young boy who shared an inseparable bond with his mother. The values of compassion, resilience, generosity, and community that were instilled in him during those early years remained with him throughout his life. Whether sharing a laugh, lending a helping hand, feeding someone in need, or encouraging others to trust in God, Leroy carried the spirit of Foggy Bottom with him wherever he went. A TIME TO LIVE Leroy attended Briggs-Montgomery Elementary School, Francis Junior High School, Armstrong Senior High School (Home of the Rough Riders), and later transferred to and graduated from Eastern Senior High School (Home of the Ramblers). As a young man, Leroy dreamed of becoming a great dancer because he believed dancing would catch the attention of the ladies. After moving from Georgetown and expanding his social circle, he certainly accomplished that goal. Along the way he also became an accomplished basketball player and an exceptional football player, earning ten consecutive citywide Government League championships and three consecutive Sandlot-to-All-Comers city championships. Leroy possessed a creative spirit. He loved writing poetry and short stories, leaving behind an extensive collection that his family hopes to publish one day. He was an avid baseball fan and an extraordinary card player. Whether it was Spades, Bid Whist, Fan Tan, Pokeno, or almost any card game imaginable, Leroy knew how to play and how to win! Some of his greatest joys came from gathering with friends around a card table, where laughter, storytelling, and friendly competition created lifelong memories. Later in life, he also enjoyed visiting the casino, perhaps more often than he should have admitted, but it brought him happiness and plenty of stories to tell. Leroy accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Liberty Baptist Church in SE, Washington, D.C., where his family faithfully served the church. As his relationship with God deepened, he recommitted his life and was baptized again as a senior adult at Scripture Cathedral Ministries in Landover, Maryland, where he attended worship services and Bible study. A TIME TO LOVE As Leroy grew beyond his youthful shyness, he began meeting many wonderful young women. He often said he appreciated every woman who crossed his path, and they appreciated him in return with perhaps one memorable exception. His journey eventually led him to Ruby, the mother of his first child. Although that relationship did not last, he later found love with Geneva, with whom he shared three children during their twelve-year union. Finally, God blessed him with the love of his life, Catherine Worrell Tyson. Together they built a beautiful marriage centered on love, friendship, faith, and adventure. Though they chose not to have children together, they wholeheartedly embraced and loved their blended family of seven children. Leroy and Cathy especially cherished traveling together and creating memories that would last a lifetime. A TIME TO WORK Leroy completed a three-month Community Relations course sponsored by the University of Maryland. Throughout his career, he held several positions, including owning his own sales business. He worked for seventeen years at the U.S. Government Printing Office before joining PSI as a counselor, where he could work alongside his wife, who served as Assistant Director. His passion for helping others eventually led him to manage two group homes serving individuals with intellectual disabilities. After years of dedicated service, Leroy returned to federal employment with the United States Postal Service, where he faithfully served until retiring after thirty-five years. A TIME TO SERVE Leroy's dream was to become a United States Capitol Police Officer. Although he successfully passed every requirement except the vision examination, an eye injury sustained from a racism incident where he was shot in the eye with a BB gun during his youth ultimately prevented him from fulfilling that dream. God, however, had another plan. During one of the most pivotal periods in American history, Leroy answered the call to serve his community. Inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, he volunteered as a Tent Ranger during Resurrection City in Washington, D.C. He proudly shared the unforgettable experience of serving as Mrs. Coretta Scott King's personal escort throughout the day until she reached the Lincoln Memorial. Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Leroy served as a VISTA Community Organizer, working alongside law enforcement and neighborhood leaders to help restore peace throughout Washington during the city's unrest and curfew. His heart for service never diminished. He dedicated eight years to serving individuals who were mentally challenged, blind, and physically disabled. He coached women's fast-pitch softball teams in both government and private leagues, earning recognition for his leadership, and recruited students and teachers to tutor children from disadvantaged families. Helping people wasn't simply something Leroy did, it was who he was. A TIME TO DIE Leroy understood that life was a gift and that we are each here only for a season. He believed in making the most of every opportunity God provided. There was never a day that passed without thanking the Lord for allowing him to be a faithful husband, devoted father, loving brother, caring uncle, loyal relative, trusted friend, and servant of God. He often expressed that whenever God called him home, he would be ready, praying that he had lived a life worthy of hearing, "Well done." A TIME TO MOURN Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Morrison and Juanita Watkins Edwards; his stepfather, Walter Edwards; and the love of his life, his devoted wife, Catherine Worrell Tyson Watkins. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Wanda Watkins, Victoria Watkins Nichols, Christina Watkins, and his beloved son, LeeAndrew Eugene Watkins—the apple that did not fall far from the tree and the next Bid Whist and Spades King card player. He also leaves five grandchildren, each carrying forward a part of his legacy: • Christjon "CJ" Watkins – his first grandson, an enterprising leader, devoted family anchor, and man of integrity. • Brooke Stevens – his only granddaughter, a charismatic scholar, gifted leader, and accomplished young woman. • Josani Watkins – a charming luminary whose quiet confidence and bright future reflect many of his grandfather's finest qualities. • AndrewLee Watkins – a maverick whose wisdom, independence, and fearless pursuit of his dreams set him apart. • Jaden Watkins – a bold force, guardian of faith whose inquisitive spirit, protective heart, and resilience could groom him to walk in my legacy as a future civil rights ambassador. He also leaves his beloved sister, Paulette Watkins; his special niece, who is like a daughter, Quatia Watkins Gray (Kevin); his grandniece, Quanae Boykin; his great-grandnephew, ZaiQuarius Warfield; his dear friend, Venita Tucker; his cherished card-playing partners, casino buddies, and the many treasured friends he made throughout life, especially those at the Saint Paul Senior Living Community in Capitol Heights, Md. A TIME TO CELEBRATE Leroy's greatest legacy was never measured by the titles he held, the careers he pursued, or the places he traveled, but by the countless lives he touched along the way. His quick wit, infectious laughter, and unforgettable sense of humor could brighten any room. Whether he was entertaining everyone with his freestyle raps, sharing one of his original poems, or captivating listeners with his vibrant storytelling, Leroy had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. His generosity knew no limits, his love for family was unwavering, and his faith in God remained steadfast throughout every season of his life. He leaves behind a family forever strengthened by his love, inspired by his wisdom, and comforted by the memories he created. His community is richer because he was part of it, and his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. His earthly journey is complete, but his legacy of love, laughter, faith, and service will live on forever. Well done, thy good and faithful servant! HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, WHO IS, AND WAS, AND IS TO COME, IN JESUS NAME AMEN.

Tributes

Leroy Eugene Watkins ("Sweet Lee")

October 7, 1940 - July 25, 2026