Deacon Jasper Alexander Watkins entered into his eternal rest on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Sovah Health in Danville, Virginia.

Jasper was the son of the late Rev. Jasper Watkins and Bernice Walters Watkins.  He was educated in the Danville Public School System and received his Mortuary Science Degree in the state of New York.  

After obtaining his degree in New York , his passion for funeral service led him back home to Danville, Virginia to serve the community. Over the course of his career, he served as a Licensed Funeral Director at the L. H. Brooks Funeral Home, Cunningham and Hughes Funeral Home, and Beavers Funeral Home. The culmination of his career was spent with the staff of the  J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, where he served until the time of his death.  Deacon Watkins loved Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson Sr. and the family of the J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment.  Many days he would show up with that broad smile ready to serve. Even on the days when his health was failing, he would go and serve faithfully.  He was also a member of the Independent Funeral Directors of Virginia.  Additionally, Jasper retired from Dan Chem Technology Company after over twenty years of employment.

Jasper was married to Mrs. Harry Marie Vaden for twenty-seven years.

 Jasper gave his life to Jesus Christ at an early age.  He loved the Lord and did not mind telling you just how good God had been to him.  He loved his church and served faithfully as the Chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry until the time of his death.  He was a member of the Deacon’s Union of Danville and Vicinity. He  was also a member of the Danville Royal Lodge 104 Masonic Lodge.  He will be greatly missed by his family and the community.

Jasper was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Jasper and Bernice W. Watkins; two sisters, Sylvia Perkins and Demita Willis; and one brother, Jonathan Watkins.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Mrs. Harry Marie Watkins of Danville, Virginia; two daughters, Syreeta Wharton (Calvin) and Shaunda McLaughlin (Carl) both of Danville, Virginia; one son, Alex McGraw of Baltimore, Maryland; a step son, Kerry Vaden of Brooklyn, New York; two brothers, Darius Watkins of Delaware and James Watkins of Danville, Virginia; three sisters, Brenda Stephens, Patsy Clark and Teresa Watkins all of Danville, Virginia; a brother in law, Charlie Vaden of Danville, Virginia; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren;and a  host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life service for Mr. Jasper Watkins will be held at 12 p. m.  Saturday, September 28, 2024, at High Street Baptist Church, 630 High Street, Danville, Virginia 24540 with Elder Ella Pass of Bible Way Cathedral, officiating and Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., of Trinity Baptist Church of God in Christ, Petersburg, Virginia, Eulogist.

Interment will be at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, 1665 South Boston Road, Danville, Virginia.

A public viewing will be held from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. At the J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 447 Old South Main Street, Danville Virginia on Friday, September 27, 2024.

The family is receiving family and guests at the residence, 415 Third Ave, Danville, Virginia.

The family is asked to assemble at the residence at 11:00 a.m. on the day of the service.

Masks are required at all visitations and services. / Service may be viewed by Live Stream at

/https://www.jldodsonandsons.com/LiveStream http://www.facebook.com/jldodsonandsons

Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 447 Old South Main St. Danville, Va., Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr.,

Funeral Director., (434)799-9262.

Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing

Your Family”