Sheila D. Watkins

Sheila Doreatha Jackson Watkins, 73, of Chesterfield, VA, passed away on January 10, 2026, in Midlothian, VA. She is survived by her children, Bakari Watkins (Danyell), Omari Watkins (Amanda), and KaMaria Watkins-Wiggins (Ray Wiggins), and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Watkins, Jr. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Church, 9 Mahan Road, Farmville, VA 23901.

FULL OBITUARY:

Sheila Doreatha Jackson Watkins, 73, departed this life peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Midlothian, Virginia. She was born in Cumberland, Virginia, to Robert Jackson and the late Doreatha Jackson. She was raised in Cumberland County and later moved to Chesterfield, Virginia, as a young adult, where she spent the majority of her life building a legacy rooted in faith, family, service, and community.

Sheila was educated in Cumberland County and furthered her education at Longwood College. At the age of 19, she began a long and dedicated career with the Commonwealth of Virginia, where she faithfully served until reaching retirement. Her strong work ethic, dependability, and commitment to excellence were evident throughout her career.

Sheila accepted Christ and was baptized at Cornerstone Baptist Church, where she remained a lifelong and devoted member. She was an active presence in the church and a steadfast supporter of her husband’s ministry. As First Lady, she served with strength, wisdom, and authenticity. Sheila was known for her bold spirit, her loving heart, and her willingness to speak truth, offer guidance, and stand firmly for those she loved. She was a pillar of strength and a trusted resource and support system for many.

On December 23, 1972, she married the love of her life, Pastor Lee Watkins, Jr., and together they shared more than four decades of marriage until his passing. From this union, God blessed them with four children, one of whom was called home in infancy. Sheila was a dedicated wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a loyal friend.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pastor Lee Watkins, Jr.; her mother, Doreatha Jackson; and her beloved infant son, Bakari Ali Watkins.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Bakari Lee Watkins and wife Danyell Watkins of Cary, North Carolina; Omari Akil Watkins, Sr. of Chesterfield, Virginia, and wife Amanda Watkins of Tennessee; and KaMaria Markita Watkins-Wiggins and husband Ray Wiggins, Jr. of Modesto, California; her eight grandchildren, in age order: Alani Battle, Amari Watkins, Chanelle Watkins, Ray Wiggins, III, Lee Wiggins, Kamayah Watkins, Ava Wiggins, and Omari Watkins, Jr.

She also leaves her father, Robert Jackson; her sister, Saundra Smith, and husband James Smith; her brother, Thomas Reed, Jr., and wife Brenda Reed; her loving aunts, Roxie B. Taylor and Vivian Clark and husband George Clark; her best and lifelong friend, Florine Doughty; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Sheila Doreatha Jackson Watkins will be remembered as a woman of faith, strength, dedication, and love. She was a pillar in her family and community whose legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.

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