Obituary for Michael A. Watkins
Michael A. “Big Mike” Watkins of Granite City, IL, born May 10, 1950 in St. Louis, MO, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023 at his sister’s house in Collinsville, IL with his loving family by his side.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Billy G. and ElvaLee A. (nee Mezger) Watkins and one sister, Sandra Hart.
Surviving are his wife, Dena K. (nee Sitter) Watkins of Granite City, IL; one daughter, Jenni (Clint) Severs of Collinsville, IL; three sisters, Christine Watkins, Karen (Dan) Huff, both of Rockaway Beach, MO and Donna (Phil) Green of Collinsville, IL; and two grandchildren, Chloe & Christian Severs.
Michael left the corporate world and surrendered to the Ministry every day of his life. He was the minister at Jesus’ Place in Granite City, IL, became the Founding Pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship in Hamel, IL, from where he retired, and was also the Director of the Collinsville Food Pantry. Michael devoted his life to loving the underserved, those being homeless, poor, hungry or drug and alcohol addicted. His motto was: God first and then family.
He was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Collinsville, IL.
Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, 195 W. Country Lane, Collinsville, IL. A Memorial Service will begin at 4:00 pm at the Church with Brother Sherman Smith officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family strongly encourages memorials to the Collinsville Food Pantry. Memorials will be accepted at the Visitation or can be mailed to the Allan & Ciuferi Funeral Home, 314 W. Main Street, Collinsville, IL 62234
Allan & Ciuferi Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements
To plant a tree in memory of Michael A. Watkins, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Monday
10
Apr
1:00 PM
- 4:00 PM
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church
195 West County Lane
Collinsville, IL 62234
Service
Monday
10
Apr
4:00 PM
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church
195 West County Lane
Collinsville, IL 62234
Memorial Contribution
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