John M. Watkins

JOHN MARVIN WATKINS, age 62, was called to his eternal home on July 18, 2025, after a hard-fought journey surrounded by love. A lifelong Buckeye fan, John spent his final days at Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital, with a view of the Horseshoe, a little Buckeye nod that made him smile, before moving to Ohio Hospice, where he was cared for with dignity and compassion.

Born July 23, 1962, John was the beloved son of the late Romie Watkins, Jr., and Barbara J. Watkins, who survives him. He attended Columbus Public Schools, beginning at Eastgate and Deshler Elementary, continuing to Johnson Park Junior High (1973–1977), and graduating proudly from Eastmoor High School, class of 1980, where he was a proud Eastmoor Warrior and football player.

John was a proud son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, known for his big heart, sharp wit, and a heart that showed up for his people in the ways only he could. He loved his mama deeply, and she loved him with a mother’s love that never wavered. In recent years, it was an honor for him to give back and care for her in ways that showed just how much she meant to him.

After graduating from Eastmoor, John attended classes at Ohio State University. He worked alongside his father in the family business, Watkins Trash Collection, and later at Blue Cross Blue Shield. But his entrepreneurial spirit thrived most in his own company, Watkins Lawn Care, where he was a talented landscaper with a knack for making every yard shine — no job too big or too small. He had a gentle spirit (well, kind of!) and a presence people remembered. He loved music, especially Parliament, and friends can still hear him belting out “No Man is an Island” from his days at St. Paul A.M.E., words his mother once loved to hear him sing. He loved to eat, loved to cook, loved to laugh, and loved his Buckeyes, football and basketball alike. But his love of sports didn’t stop there; John was all in for the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Reds, Columbus Blue Jackets, and just about any game he could watch.

Described by many as one of the original Berwick Brothers, John carried the pride of his neighborhood and his people wherever he went.

John deeply loved his family with all his heart: his children, Tianna Rawlins, Tiffany (Ryan) Grant, and Kasey Watkins; and grandchildren, Rianna, Amarion, Kamari, Jai’ Marie, J’Anna, Alexandria, Naomi, and Seraiah.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara J. Watkins; brother, Romie Watkins III (Wanda); sister, Mia (Jesse) Prewitt, who stood by his side with love until the very end; niece, Hallè Prewitt; and nephew, Jesse Prewitt III. He leaves behind a circle of cousins, family, friends, and his great friend, Vince Duncan, who will remember his humor, hustle, and heart.

He was preceded in death by his father, Romie Watkins, Jr.; brother, Daniel Watkins; and sisters, Denise Martin (Curtis) and Anita Watkins.

John’s life reminds us that there are no perfect people… only people who love deeply, live fully, and leave a mark that will not be forgotten.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at OSU James Cancer Hospital and Ohio Hospice for their compassionate care in John’s final days. ❤

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John M. Watkins, please visit our floral store.