Pearline Williams Watkins

Pearline “Chops” Watkins passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at University Medical Center New Orleans. Pearline was born to the late Willie and Mathilda Williams in New Orleans, LA on March 3, 1948. She graduated from Booker T. Washington Senior High School prior to pursuing a career in culinary arts. Pearline was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Theodore Watkins III. She was employed at Fury’s Restaurant as an Executive Chef for 40 years before retiring in 2012. Pearline was a member of The Progressive Baptist Church. There, she served on the usher board and Culinary Ministry. She was Mrs. “P” to most, a diehard Saints fan, and a second line reveler. Pearline leaves to cherish her memories, two sons, Theodore Watkins IV (Gaynell) and Tyrone Watkins (Shanta); eight grandchildren, Margueret Smith-Garrison (David), Gabriel Smith, Theodore Watkins V, Janiya Perkins, Aliyah Watkins, Tyrone Watkins Jr., Trinity Watkins, and Tye Watkins; one great granddaughter, Ziah Garrison; six siblings, Stanley Williams (Shelia), Ella Mae Williams, Debra Williams (Dennis), Leo Young, Lisa Williams, Troya Anderson (Saeborn), and Wanda Carraby (Wardell); four godchildren, LaDonna Bernard, Jonathan Williams, Roosevelt Henderson, and Ty-Jonathan Williams ; One God sister, Pamela Williams. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Pearline is preceded in death by one sister, Delores Williams; three brothers, Willie Jr., Melvin, and Joseph Williams; one granddaughter, Tynia Javon Watkins, two grandparents, Samuel Williams and Ella Johnson, and her godparents Margarite Dixon and Clarence Chester V. Relatives, friends, neighbors pastors, officers and members of The Progressive Baptist Church and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, also employees of Fury’s Restaurant, Ochsner Baptist Hospital, Environmental Safety and Health, Office of Motor Vehicles, Loomis Armored US, Westlake Housing and University Medical Center New Orleans are invited to share in the Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 24, 2022, beginning 10:00 am promptly, at The Progressive Baptist Church, 1214 S. Robertson St., New Orleans, LA 70113. Rev. Dr. Johmyrin Johnson, Pastor; Dr. Willie Gable Jr., Pastor Emeritus, officiating. Church visitation will begin at 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Interment Resthaven Memorial Park, 10400 Old Gentilly Rd, New Orleans, LA 70127. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.