Jerry Lee Watkins

Jerry Louis Watkins peacefully passed away on February 7th, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on October 2nd, 1936, Jerry spent his childhood as the youngest son of five preacher’s children in the small rural town of Many, Louisiana. Following his graduation from Southern University, Jerry dedicated two years to military service during the Cold War prior to obtaining his Master’s degree in Social Welfare from UCLA.

Jerry was passionate about the value of a child’s life, having worked in public child welfare at the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. Dedicated to a life of service, he was the founding director of the Youth Services Center, a treatment facility for adolescents struggling with mental health. He further served as the director of MacLaren Children’s Center, the largest public shelter for dependent children in California.

After meeting on the job, Jerry married Amaryllis in the new home they would go on to grow old

within. The two were lifelong best friends, never running out of conversation. Their ongoing love was clear to anyone who had the privilege of seeing them together. Jerry was devoted to his family. He is remembered as a pillar of strength for his family, a present, supportive, and reliable patriarch, full of wisdom and love. Jerry led by example how to be a person of character.

An avid reader, Jerry would spend his days surrounded in stacks of the three newspapers he would read every day. He loved traveling with his grandchildren, investing in real estate, sitting in his spot to watch football and basketball, and telling stories about his time in Many and the military. Jerry was endlessly wise, deeply selfless, and quietly funny.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Louis & Anna; his three brothers, Louis, James, and Rothary; and his two sisters, Audrey and Mary. His memory lives on with his beloved wife, Amaryllis, of nearly fifty years; and his three sons, Henrie, Brian, and Jerald (Milenys). He is forever cherished by his grandchildren, Anna, Miles, and Jerald Jr., and his bonus grandchildren, Myrah and Gianna.

The family of Jerry Watkins wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks for your presence, prayers, and kind words during this time of sorrow. Your support has been a great comfort to us.