Anita Romell Watkins

Anita R. Watkins Oct.15, 1953 - Feb. 9, 2016 Anita Romell Watkins went home to be with the Lord after a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis. Anita was born October 15, 1953, at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX to Juanita and Romie Watkins Jr. She was raised in Columbus (OH) where the family lived until her mother moved them to the Panama Canal Zone. Anita graduated from Balboa High School in the Canal Zone. In the mid 1970s Anita lived with her mother and stepdad (Wendell Thompson) who were stationed at Camp Zama in Tokyo. While attending Sophia University there, Anita taught conversation English to Japanese speakers for a time. Anita returned to Columbus where she finished her education at Franklin University. Anita accepted Jesus and was baptized at the 7th Avenue Baptist Church in Columbus as a young adult under the watchcare of her uncle Deacon Virgil Watkins. Although Anita worked from the time she graduated from high school, she spent the major portion of her life working for the State of Ohio until her health failed. Anita is survived by her beloved daughter Raina Nicole Barnett, her father, Romie Watkins Jr. (Barbara Jeanne), stepfather, Wendell Thompson, and siblings: Denise (Curtis) Martin, Renee Richardson, Romie Watkins III (Wanda), adopted twin sisters Tamara and Tanishia Thompson, John Watkins, and Mia (Jesse) Prewitt. She also leaves a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Anita was preceded in death by her mother Juanita Thompson (1/1/15), brother Daniel Watkins (11/7/07), and a host of loved ones who were there to greet her at heaven's gate. Friends who loved Anita to the end are Gail Barnett, Sharon Harris Bowman, and others who will have the opportunity to leave love notes at the memorial service. Anita's family wants to thank the staff of National Church Residences of Gahanna for their sensitive, professional care. Anita was unable to verbalize her needs, but her caretakers were mind readers blessed by the Lord. We also thank Pastor Chip Heim (East Side Grace Brethren Church) who prayed and shared Scripture with Anita the night before she passed. ...and Jesus said to His disciples, Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:1-2 (NASB) (Won't you be one of His own too? See John 3:16...and a faithful church of your choice.) ....................................................................... In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org.) Ohio Buckeye Chapter 6155 Rockside Road, Suite 202 Independence, OH 44131 Toll Free: (800) 344-4867 Phone: (800) 344-4867 Fax: (216) 696-2817