1931
Josephine
2024
Josephine Mabrey Watkins
May 10, 1931 — May 26, 2024
Lake Butler
Josephine Mabrey Watkins was born on May 10, 1931, in New River, Fl to the union of Earnest and Esther Mabrey. Her parents, her 3 sisters and 1 brother all preceded her in death, Josephine was known to all of her family and friends who loved her so much as a sweet little lady that loved God with everything in her and her passion was singing and praying for many hours in a day. Josephine was a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt and friend. Josephine married the love of her life Alfred Watkins, Sr. on January 3, 1953, who preceded her in death on April 11, 2015. Josephine was the most amazing mother to her 4 children, Raymond Mabrey, who left her on March 18, 2020, her spoiled brat baby boy Alfred (Rudolph) Watkins who resides in Lake Butler, her oldest daughter Esther Watkins Hope of Lake Butler who reversed roles with her in 2015 until God called Josephine home on Sunday, May 26th,2024 and her classy sassy baby girl Cynthia Watkins Taylor who joined daddy, Raymond and Lil Hope on July 3rd, 2022.
Josephine started her working career from the age of 16 years old until she turned 82 years old, she worked for Lake Butler local Dr. George Franklin Bolles forever, he delivered her two daughters and she continue to care for his children along with her own children. She also worked for 20 plus years at Lake Butler sewing factory, after it closed she started her last work journey at Lake Butler Hospital for over 20 years where she had the reputation of keeping the night shift from falling asleep with her beautiful voice echoing old gospel songs throughout the building.
The greatest joy of all was her grandchildren and she was blessed with 14 of them, there were no favorites but there was a special one who never missed birthday, mother days, just checking on Granny days. Raymond 8 is Corey Mabrey (deceased), Latonya K. Poole (Loren), Ruth, Demond, Kenya Jones, Walter Mabrey (Ashley), Marquasha, Christina, and bonus babies Mamie and Candace Brown, Rudolph 2, Astrid Watkins (Elizabeth) and Tameka Washington (Richard) Esther 2, Carlos Hope (Hope) and a special one, lol, William Smoke Draws Hope who broke her heart when he was took from her on March 19, 2022, Cynthia 2, Lasha Cox (Michael), Jason Taylor (Mary Shelley) and 39 great grandchildren. Josephine had some wonderful family and friends, her sister in law Doris Thomas was like two peas in a pod, her sister in law Hazel Thomas shared many laughs on the front porch. Mommy had the most wonderful people to help care for her in her latter days Barbara Alexander Highland, Betty Stewart Jones and Openella Jordan aka;Cookie.
On behalf of the family Esther and Rudolph we thank you for loving on our mother with the love she deserved, we had a great mother. Pastor Taylor, Pastor Gentry and all members thank you for celebrating my mommy last day of life on this earth with her.
A visitation time is scheduled from 4pm - 7pm on Tuesday, June 4th at Archer-Milton Funeral Home.
Josephine started her working career from the age of 16 years old until she turned 82 years old, she worked for Lake Butler local Dr. George Franklin Bolles forever, he delivered her two daughters and she continue to care for his children along with her own children. She also worked for 20 plus years at Lake Butler sewing factory, after it closed she started her last work journey at Lake Butler Hospital for over 20 years where she had the reputation of keeping the night shift from falling asleep with her beautiful voice echoing old gospel songs throughout the building.
The greatest joy of all was her grandchildren and she was blessed with 14 of them, there were no favorites but there was a special one who never missed birthday, mother days, just checking on Granny days. Raymond 8 is Corey Mabrey (deceased), Latonya K. Poole (Loren), Ruth, Demond, Kenya Jones, Walter Mabrey (Ashley), Marquasha, Christina, and bonus babies Mamie and Candace Brown, Rudolph 2, Astrid Watkins (Elizabeth) and Tameka Washington (Richard) Esther 2, Carlos Hope (Hope) and a special one, lol, William Smoke Draws Hope who broke her heart when he was took from her on March 19, 2022, Cynthia 2, Lasha Cox (Michael), Jason Taylor (Mary Shelley) and 39 great grandchildren. Josephine had some wonderful family and friends, her sister in law Doris Thomas was like two peas in a pod, her sister in law Hazel Thomas shared many laughs on the front porch. Mommy had the most wonderful people to help care for her in her latter days Barbara Alexander Highland, Betty Stewart Jones and Openella Jordan aka;Cookie.
On behalf of the family Esther and Rudolph we thank you for loving on our mother with the love she deserved, we had a great mother. Pastor Taylor, Pastor Gentry and all members thank you for celebrating my mommy last day of life on this earth with her.
A visitation time is scheduled from 4pm - 7pm on Tuesday, June 4th at Archer-Milton Funeral Home.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Josephine Mabrey Watkins, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
Archer-Milton Funeral Home
Guestbook
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