Bro. John Edward Watkins

Pastor John Ed Watkins, of Somerville, Tennessee, entered into the presence of his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ on December 29, 2024, with family gathered around him singing and reading Scripture as his faith became sight. John Ed was known for his infectious smile, passionate singing, and powerful preaching.

John Ed Watkins was born on July 7, 1948, to Aubrey Anderson Watkins & Ava Hazel Watkins. He was educated at Fayette County High School. John Ed married the love of his life, Donna Abel Watkins on September 11, 1968. They together raised 3 children. John Ed worked at Witco Chemical for 27 years before his retirement in 1995 to devote his time to full time ministry. He pastored Morris Chapel Baptist Church in Somerville, Tn for 27 years. After his retirement from Morris Chapel, he and his wife Donna Watkins founded Mercy’s Bridge Church in Somerville, TN where they served for 12 years before his retirement due to his illness in August 2024. John Ed was also a full-time evangelist traveling to many states preaching the Gospel. 

John Ed and Donna Watkins raised 3 children, Mike Watkins (Wanda), Michelle Gaither (Randy), and Matthew Watkins (Tiffany). John Ed and Donna Watkins have 13 grandchildren: Stephen Watkins (Amanda), Nancy Glover, Cassie Glover, Heather Bruce (Jeff), Brooklyn Jankowski (Jake), Autumn Gaither (Mike), Davis Watkins (Payton), Hayden Watkins (Anna Grace), Luke Watkins (Chelsea), Elijah Allen (Trisha), Emma Watkins (Jordan), Hannah Watkins, Jaycee Watkins. They have 18 great-grandchildren: Layla, Olivia, Brynlee, Annalyn, Raynie, Lennon, Mattie Claire, Hendrix, Ella Katherine, Karson, Jordan, McKenna Rae, Christian, Mary Margaret, Audrey Claire, Collins and Alexis. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather that was always present in the lives of his family. He is leaving behind a great legacy.

John Ed Watkins is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna Watkins, his daughter, Michelle Gaither (Randy) and his sons, Mike Watkins (Wanda) and Matthew Watkins (Tiffany). He is also survived by his sisters, Hazel Taylor, Nelle Burgess (Ross) and Ava Pulliam and his brothers, Leon Watkins (Dale), Jerry Watkins (Karen), and Timmy Watkins (Andrea). He has two sisters-in-law, Robbie Watkins and Sheila Watkins.

John Ed Watkins was preceded in death by his father Aubrey Watkins and his mother Hazel Watkins. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Joe David Watkins, Ray Watkins, Kenneth Watkins, and Jimmy Lynn Watkins. His sister Lisa Ann Joyner. 

John Ed Watkins was deeply devoted to his wife Donna Watkins. And their love for each other and Christ has shaped a countless number of people throughout their 53-year ministry. He enjoyed traveling with his family. He had a love for the mountains and the beach. He loved working outdoors. His greatest passions were singing gospel music and preaching the Word of God to anyone who would listen. He was known for his humble spirit and his capacity to always see the good in anyone. He saw everyone he met as a soul that Jesus died for on the cross. His favorite subject to preach on was the Cross of Christ. His impact has reached worldwide, and his legacy will continue through his family. One of his favorite songs was, “If Just One More Soul”, and that was his life motto. And only Heaven truly knows how many souls have been reached not only through his preaching but also his life and legacy. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, TN in honor of Pastor John Ed Watkins at https://www.baptistonline.org/about/baptist-foundations.