Sterling Bernard Watkins, 68, of 419 Kilby Avenue, Suffolk, died Sept. 8, 2004 in Obici Memorial Hospital. He was a native of Newport News and son of the late John and Hattie Griffin Watkins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Watkins and two daughters, Glenda Boone and Hattie Wilson.

He was a retired forklift operator from Birdsong Peanuts.

He is survived by four daughters, Carolyn Todd (Melvin) of Richmond, Diane Chapman (Kelvin), BernaDette Watkins, and KaShawn Brown (Kendrell), all of Suffolk; three sons, Sterling Watkins, Jr., Keefe Watkins (Gloria), and Wayne Watkins, all of Suffolk; a stepbrother, Thomas Artis of Suffolk; 15 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004 in Rising St. James Pentecostal Church, by Bishop Dwight Whitfield. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. The body will be taken to the church at 1:30 p.m. Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.