Mary Frances Watkins

In Loving Memory of Mary Frances Watkins

Mary Frances Watkins was born on November 7, 1934, in Crystal River, Florida to Wilbur and Henrietta Faison. She grew up in Citrus County and attended George Washington Carver Elementary and Booker T Washington High School. She graduated in 1952.

Mary was a former member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. It was at Mount Olive, Mary says, “I learned how to pray”!

As a teenager, Mary attended a revival, along with three of her friends, at the House of God which is the Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Ground of the Truth (as it was known). She tells this story: “I wanted the Holy Ghost, and I told my friends, “Let’s hold hands, and on the count of 3, let’s raise our hands and pretend to get happy”! Little did she know, that while they were “pretending”, the power of the Holy Ghost fell upon them, and they weren’t “pretending” anymore! That moment changed her life. Later, Mary began desiring to speak in tongues (as learned about through scripture). She prayed earnestly that God would give her the “gift of tongues” and He did! It was a very beautiful gift of tongues too! Mary continued to go to the “holiness church“. “Attending the holiness church was not popular”, she said, but Mary loved the Lord and made her decision to go anyway. She moved her membership to the Independent House of God, Church of the Living God, Pillar & Ground of the Truth, Inc. (as it is now known).

Her fellowship with Mount Olive would continue, as she played the organ for them as well as, her new church home. Mary later became the very first Minister of Music in the State of Florida for the Church of the Living God. She also played for many other functions, and churches throughout Citrus, Hernando and Marion counties. Mary played the piano and the organ for more than 50 years! She served until severe arthritis would prohibited her from further musical service. It didn’t stop her, however, from sharing the love of God to all she met. She never met a stranger. She kissed and hugged everybody; and I mean everybody! Drunk, clean, or dirty, it just didn’t matter. Her heart was kind, and she had a tender love for children. Sweet Mary Frances became affectionally known for the term, “Kissy, kissy!” or “Kissy kiss!”

Mary was a faithful Sunday school student, and a dedicated member of the church, until she departed this earthly life. She also became a mother of the church and was known as “Mother Mary”, “Mama Watkins”, “Sister Mary” and many other precious names. Oh how she would praise and worship Almighty God! She practiced what she preached, and received the anointing as an intercessory prayer warrior! Mary would counsel and talk for hours on the telephone; advising, encouraging and telling people about Jesus. She proclaimed with boldness the need to receive the gift of salvation! She passed out tracts, gave out booklets, wrote letters, hid gospel messages inside of gifts and packages. She did whatever she could to spread the gospel. Mary exemplified the characteristics that molded her into becoming the saint and servant of the Most High. She was steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD!

Mary also taught music lessons to many students for only 50 cents! For those who couldn’t afford that, she just did it because she wanted to help them. She became a mentor to Brean Bivins. She allowed him to sit on the organ bench (while growing up) as she played for the service. Brean began playing and continued to play the organ until he went to College. He graduated with a degree in music! Brean writes: “Mother fulfilled her earthly obligations with so much love and diligence. She’s been an example for what the LORD requires of us all! She will forever live because she was a firm believer, in whole-heartedly trusting in the “GOOD MASTER” (As she would call him)”! There were others who also went on to have musical careers.

Mary left an indelible impression in the lives of all who met her; and it never bothered her when her children would bring their friends home with them. She welcomed them all with open arms, hugs, and kisses; and they always had a place to stay, and food to eat. God blessed her mightily for her sacrifice in this life, just as He promised. “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: But a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised”! We, her children have risen, as the scriptures proclaim, and call her blessed!

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Winzalo (Don) T. Watkins, Sr.; Her Siblings: Wilbur Lee Faison, Annette Scriven-Brooks and Edward Faison; Her Granddaughter: Tiffany Deneise Watkins.

She leaves to cherish her memories, three sons: Winzalo-Don T. Watkins, Jr. (Linda), Lemuel L. Watkins (Sherry), and Michael A. Watkins (Sandra). Three daughters: Mariea E. Watkins, Charlene T. Watkins, and Polly Mott. One sister: Jeanette Thomas. One brother: Paul Daniel. Sixteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and One great-great grandchild. Her Goddaughter: Geraldine Walker. A host of nieces, nephews, friends and church family.

Flowers - In lieu of flowers please make donations to Vitas Hospice  3280 W. Audobon park path Lecanto Fl. 34461. Cards, condolences and resolutions will be received at The J.T. Campbell Funeral Home on Friday March 31, from 9am to 3pm

Celebration of Life- The Celebration of life will be held on Saturday April 1, 2023 , 11am at The Ind. House of God Church of the Living God, 557 North east second avenue Crystal River Fl

Final Resting Place-  Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery

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