Alvin Atwood Watkins, Jr., a life-long resident of Los Angeles, California, was born March 7, 1939, and closed his eyes to be with the Lord on August 24, 2021, at 5:00 am Alvin was born, the second child of Alvin A. Watkins, Sr. and Jocelyn H. Watkins, and grew up on St. Andrews Place, with his siblings Mamie Watkins Grant and John Nathaniel Watkins. There, Alvin was lovingly nurtured with quality life skills, values and a love for God, which he carried with him until his very last breath. Alvin attended 24th Street Elementary School, Mount Vernon Junior High School, and Los Angeles High School, where he was a good student, and ran the hurdles on the track team. After graduating, Alvin left for Texas, to enroll at Prairie View University, and earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in Construction. Alvin continued his educational pursuits at UCLA’s School of Dentistry, where he earned his degree as a dental technician. Throughout his 30 year career, Alvin became well known for the quality of his workmanship, and was highly sought after by many of the leading dentists in the greater Los Angeles area. Alvin was gifted with his hands, not only as a dental technician, but also in carpentry, in the design and crafting of jewelry, and as an artist and painter. But, his greatest gifts were yet to come. On April 9, 1969, the Lord blessed Alvin with the gift of a son, Christopher, who he raised in the Windsor Hills community of Los Angeles. Alvin loved and supported Christopher through his schooling, athletics and passed on to him the values, his gentlemanly nature, and his love for God, which helped groom Chris to be the man he is today. Christopher continues to honor his father’s legacy through his daughter Ashton, her husband Chris, and their daughter Zoe, all of whom Alvin adored and cherished. Alvin met Debbie Farley in 1969, but it wasn’t until August 23, 1984, when Alvin took Debbie on their first date, and that’s when their dance of love began. They were life partners, avid dancers, and shared a home together for more than 30 years. A home where they enjoyed gatherings with family and a multitude of friends, hosted on the deck he made with his own hands. Inevitably, the home where Alvin passed away, the night before their anniversary. Alvin A. Watkins, Jr. was the life of the party, and he lived his life to the fullest. Alvin was kind hearted, charismatic, polished, and was passionate about Jazz and Salsa dancing. He was often found at the Hollywood Bowl, the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Long Beach Jazz Festival, or dancing and teaching dance at many of the major Salsa clubs in Los Angeles. Alvin Atwood Watkins, Jr. loved his friends, his family, and he loved the Lord. He attended the Church of Christian Fellowship where 3 generations of the Watkins family accumulated more than 100 years of faithful service. Alvin was actively involved with the collection and counting of the offerings, built organs, participated in their Fish Fries and countless other activities, and was a member of the church choir. Perhaps his greatest enjoyment was being a part of Genesis Da Balm Choir, under the direction of Kay Kelly. Alvin A. Watkins, Jr. lived a good life… a Godly life, and now is at rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Alvin lived a Joshua 1:9 life which says:
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go.
