Obituary of Dorothy Watkins

Celebration of Life for Dorothy Mae Watkins

Her hair, always neatly combed, framed a face that radiated God’s love. Her eyes, filled with wisdom and compassion, mirrored a life lived with exemplary caring for others. Her laughter and smile were contagious. Mrs. Dorothy M. Watkins, affectionately known as “Aunt Dot” and “Dottie”, peacefully transitioned into God’s embrace on the morning of September 21, 2024.  She leaves behind many cherished memories and a profound legacy of love.

Dorothy M. Watkins was born on June 10, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA. She was the beloved daughter of Lester and Alice Thomas. She grew up in New Jersey living with her Aunt Eleanor on Forklanding Road, in what was then called “Wrightsville” (now known as Cinnaminson).

Dorothy began taking private music lessons while attending grammar school and after graduating Palmyra High school, she continued her music studies at the Christian School of Music.

Dorothy returned to Philadelphia after high school and her ears soon started picking up on the sounds of Jazz and Blues floating out of the clubs on Ridge Ave and South Street. Dottie knew in her heart that she wanted to play jazz music. Her keyboard/piano skills allowed her to jump in on various “jam sessions” in Philadelphia and soon she was playing with various jazz groups in Atlantic City, New Jersey, New York, and other locations throughout the United States. Dottie’s energy was contagious, and she always wowed the crowds with her amazing talents. Dottie was also referred to as the “Queen of the Organ” and a “Gem in the Jazz World”.

Dorothy met Paul Watkins while playing at the Savoy in New York City. They were united in marriage on September 15, 1948. They never had any biological children, but Dorothy compassionately chose to become a Foster Parent where she cared for 8 boys and a girl (not all at the same time). Dorothy loved children and caring for others, and she worked at the Johnstone Training Center for 13 years. She then took another job at the Group Home for Lutheran Child Welfare. Deeply caring for children living in the Group Home, Dorothy was asked if she would be willing to care for a developmentally disabled adult in her home. After struggling with this thought for 2 months, she decided to try it. That child (Sharon) grew and became a part of her family for 31 years. Numerous other adults with developmental challenges lived in her home until Dottie was 90 yrs old.

Dorothy was a beloved member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Burlington, N.J. Her life exemplified profound love for family, faith and community. Her legacy will continue to inspire others, and her memory will be forever cherished.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Paul and some of her Foster children - Ronald Brandon (deceased), Otis Hunter (deceased), Lucy Reyes (deceased) and William Wright (deceased).

Her surviving family includes, Henry & Pearl Hazell, Bernice R. Hazell, Daniel Hazell, Jr.(Ingrid), Carol Hazell Davis (William), Dr. Rhonda Hazell, Dennis Hazell (Marla), Darrell Hazell (Annemarie), Charles Chico Williams (Diane), James Williams, Andre Barnes, Carlos Bernardini, and Jose Bernardini.

The number of friends and acquaintances in the Jazz World are too numerous to name individually, however the joys and laughter that was shared with Dottie will never be forgotten!