Herman B. Watkins

Herman Watkins was born in DeKalb, MS November 27, 1921. Having lived a full 100 years, he passed on August 9, 2022.

Herman grew up as a farmer helping to care for his grandmother’s farm with his many aunts and uncles. He enlisted in the US Army and served time during WWII, with a short tour in Italy.

He returned to Mississippi and met his life partner, Lethia Welch (who preceded him in death) and relocated to Cleveland, Ohio. Together, they shared their lives with their two daughters, Marilyn Jones and Deborah Alexander, MD. 

He worked as a fork lift operator with Fisher-Fazio Grocers for more than 40 years, with almost perfect attendance. He was a promising pitcher for the early Negro Baseball League and had been actively scouted by the Chicago White Sox. He enjoyed gardening and working in his yard.

Herman was soft spoken and slow to anger.  He put family first and no one was a stranger. He lead by example. Throughout his life he instilled hard work and honesty and pushed you to do the best at all you endeavored.

In addition to his two daughters, Herman is survived by four grandchildren: Hallie Jones, Bryan Johnson, Lawrence Jones, Aaron Alexander, Camille Alexander.

He was dearly loved throughout his life and our father will be sincerely missed.

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