Kenneth Ray Watkins

Kenneth Ray Watkins was born on February 25, 1964, to Lorene Watkins and Ben Singleton in Camden, Mississippi. He relocated to Kansas City, Missouri at a young age. “Kenny”, as he was affectionally called, received his formal education in the Kansas City Missouri School District. He graduated from Southeast High School in 1982. Kenny worked at Geodis until the time of his death.

Kenny accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ where he was baptized by the late Rev. C.L. Williams.  He later served under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Joseph Clark and then under Rev. Richard Clark where he served faithfully as the President of the Mass Choir and on the Praise and Worship team.  Often, he could be heard leading songs like: “Grateful”, “Woke up this Morning with My Mind Stayed on Jesus”, “God said He Would Be with Me” and “I want to see Jesus”. He was a kind, mild-mannered gentle soul that was full of life and known to make those around him laugh. Kenny had an infectious smile and loved his family and friends.

Kenny entered eternal life on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at home. His grandmother, Allie Glee Watkins; and brother, Donels Johnson preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Lorene Watkins; stepfather, Earnest Jackson; father, Ben (Rose) Singleton of Memphis, TN; daughter, Shonta (Ronald) Brenson; three brothers, Michael Watkins, Sr., Steven Singleton and Derrick Singleton; sister, Caveta (LeVon) Atkins; one grandson, Calvin; two granddaughters, Ca’Liyah and Rhylee; and two God-sisters, Keana Bradley and Carla Thomas; a special friend, Carmen Allen, along with a host of other relatives and friends.