Benjamin (Ben) Franklin Watkins Jr., at the age of 65, passed away on August 30, 2020 in his home. Ben was born on March 8, 1955 in Washington, DC and was the son of Benjamin Franklin Watkins Sr., Ora Belle Watkins, and his birth mom - Betty-Jean Perry-Hutchins. He grew up in Seat Pleasant, MD, graduated from Central High School, and spent most of his years working and being a friend to many in the Forestville, MD community.

In his early years, Benjamin Franklin Watkins Sr. and Ora Bella Watkins help found the Exodus Missionary Baptist Church where Ben would attend and become a member, under the leadership of Pastor J.W. Slyde. It was there where he learned to love and establish his relationship with God. He loved to listen to gospel music which became a passion of his throughout his life.

As Ben got older, he loved to hand-dance, listen to music and attend concerts. His favorite saying was "When Stevie comes to town, everyone comes to town". He loved listening to musicians, such as Stevie Wonder, Frankie Beverly, Earth Wind and Fire, War, and Chuck Brown and whenever the song "Bustin' Loose" came on, he was always the first to hit the dance floor! His passion for music was also showcased when he was a member of a band called "The Young Sound" where he played the Base. Ben was also known for his unique sense of style and would dress up everywhere he went to "look nice for the ladies"! He loved to hang out in the Landover, MD area and could be found at Landover Mall with his friends and nephews.

He loved spending time with his family throughout his life, especially his nephews and family friends. As he transitioned to have his own family, he loved being around his then wife India Miah and his two only children – Chaz Miah and Elgin Watkins. He shared his fondness of sports, especially wrestling, with his boys – as they attended many wrestling matches live, at the Capital Center in Landover, MD!

Ben was also known for being a hard worker, as he spent 25+ years as a Crew Maintenance member for the Washington Gas Company, before he retired in the early 2000s. He was never one to sit idle, so even during retirement he enjoyed working as a professional driver, which allowed him to connect with new people all the time. As he got older, he enjoyed relaxing at home, taking it easy and watching his news and sports. He will be remembered for his unwavering love for God, and love for his two sons, who he expressed love for everyday and was proud of the legacy he left behind.

He is survived by his two sons: Chaz Miah (Nailah Miah), Elgin Watkins, two grandchildren: Cahlil Miah and Nalani Miah, mom: Beatty-Jean Hutchins-Perry, 1 brother and 3 sisters: Orlando Hutchins, Bernice Kareem, Joyce Hutchins, Vera Yancey and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends. He was predeceased by his parents: Benjamin Franklin Watkins Sr. and Ora Belle Watkins, and 4 brothers and 1 sister: James Padgett Sr., Larry Hutchins, Johnny Spinner, Rebuen Gaither, and Flicia Spinner.

There will be a graveside service and internment held on Friday, September 4, 2020 at 11:30AM, at the Cedar Hill Cemetery located 4111 Pennsylvania Avenue Suitland, MD 20746.

Acknowledgments, memorial donations, condolences and/or flowers may be sent to the home of Chaz Miah 2422 Arapaho Way, Gambrills, MD. 21054.