With nearly seventeen years of experience in the death care industry, Darrell E. Watkins, II, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, is best known for his kind spirit, dapper style, special attention to detail, and exemplary service to families across the state of Georgia.
Darrell takes pride in his calling by rendering paramount service in a distinctive way. His work includes, but is not limited to, preparations of remains; dressing, casketing, and cosmetizing; arranging end of life services, and ensuring the satisfaction of bereaved families that call upon him.
Known as ‘Junior’ to family and friends, he is an unyielding believer that “experience is the best teacher”. Dating back to adolescence, he worked at the family firm, Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, in the heart of the Historic West End area, alongside his grandmother, Mother Hattie Guinn Watkins, until her untimely passing in 2006. He glories Mother Watkins as “the reason why”. His extensive work history includes serving the prominent Atlanta families of Coretta Scott King(wife of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), Lillian Lewis(wife of Congressman John Lewis), Senator Leroy R. Johnson(first African-American Senator, post-Reconstruction), Commissioner Emma I. Darnell(former Fulton County Commissioner, District 6), Bishop Earl P. Paulk(founder of Cathedral at Chapel Hill), Thomas Ford(portrayed as ‘Tommy’ on hit TV show Martin), and Carlos “Shawty Lo” Walker(award-winning recording artist).
Born to Pastor Darrell E. Watkins, I, LFD and Rev. Kameshia H. Watkins, Junior, without question, was raised to understand the values of selfless giving, compassion, and service to God’s people, both living and deceased.
Darrell is a proud member of Shiloh Baptist Church, College Park, Georgia, where he serves as a Deacon-In-Training under the leadership of Pastor Le’Zaire D. Reese. He is also affiliated with the Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association 9th District, and New Generation of Funeral Service Practitioners Association.
Furthermore, Darrell credits his uncles; Deacon Willie A. Watkins and Deacon Anthony L. Watkins, his father, Pastor Darrell E. Watkins, I, Pastor Christopher A. Wimberly, and the late Pastor Eric D. Collins as his mentors in funeral service.