Notification of the Death of John and Martha Watkins
The Rev. John Watkins, former Newark Wayne Community Hospital chaplain, died December 15, 2021 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Preceding him in death was his wife, Martha, on June 7, 2021. Both were living in the Sunnyside Retirement Community in Harrisonburg.In 1989, John accepted the invitation from the hospital and the Presbytery of Geneva to serve half-time as the first-ever chaplain at the hospital, while also serving half-time as pastor of the Fairville Presbyterian Church. John, a servant leader, will be remembered for his ministry as a non-anxious presence with patients, their families, the hospital staff, and the Newark community. Rotarians enjoyed his dry sense of humor around the lunch table. John retired as chaplain in 2000, and Rev. Carlos Smith was hired to fill the position.Following his retirement from the Fairville church and the hospital chaplaincy, John served as Parish Associate at Newark’s Park Presbyterian Church where Rev. Timothy Johnson was pastor.Martha was an active volunteer with the Auxiliary, played the organ and piano for various functions, and worked in the hospital gift shop.In 2007, the Watkins moved to Sunnyside, where they made many friends, and enjoyed several years of volunteering their services to that community.