Dwayne Watkins

Dwayne Taylor ‘Speedy’Watkins, 54 years young, fought a 6 month long courageous battle after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage on April 13, 2022. His suffering came to an end on October 3, 2022 and he is now, finally, at peace. Dwayne was born in New Haven, CT at Yale-New Haven Hospital to parents Matthew Watkins and Linda Lopes Watkins. He celebrated his last birthday at Yale Hospital on April 17, 2022, just four days after he was stricken. Dwayne attended New Haven Public Schools and graduated from James Hillhouse High School and later attended Gateway Community College. Dwayne, whom overcame many challenges in his life, had many interests and several careers. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, Dwayne provided patient care for individuals in New Haven, Meriden and Cobalt, Connecticut. Most recently, he began to care for his mother. Dwayne loved clothes and had an outgoing personality that served him well working in sales and hospitality at IKEA, Boscov’s and Walmart. Dwayne loved to cook and improved his culinary skills while prepping or cooking in kitchens at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Cracker Barrel, Applebee’s, the Food Court at IKEA or at Pattaconk Bar and Grille. Although he could cook and prepare many dishes, Dwayne’s favorite food was his girlfriend Wanda’s fried chicken. Dwayne got the nickname ’Speedy’ because of his love of music and dance, which was a Lopes trait. Dwayne learned to become a DJ, and could be found providing the musical entertainment for family and friends events. Many didn’t know that Dwayne also played the violin with his Grandmother Eardie’s encouragement and threats if he didn’t practice. Dwayne loved bowling every Tuesday night with his brother Matt and his family. He loved fishing, a sport he also shared with Matt, and he loved playing video games. The travel bug bit Dwayne and took him on several trips to Puerto Rico. His most recent jaunts were with Wanda to New York, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and a special trip to Los Angeles and Rodeo Drive. In addition to his parents Matthew Watkins, Sr. and Linda Bolden, Dwayne leaves to cherish his memories: Girlfriend whom never left his side, Wanda Brown and family, his children includingDwayne Taylor ‘DJ’ Watkins, Jr., brothers Matthew G. Watkins, Jr. (Ernestine) on whose shoulders Dwayne stood, and William C. Anderson; grand children including, Christian Taylor Watkinsand Taylor Lorraine Watkins, maternal Aunt Mommy Pamela R. Lopes (Charles H. Byrd III), paternal aunts and uncles Carrie Dempsey, Diane Dempsey, Tricia Dempsey, Carol Nicholson and Nate Dempsey. Dwayne also leaves Special Niece Laronda Watkins (James Brown), LaShara Holness, Kendra Watkins and nephew Matthew G. Watkins III (Sasha), nieces Lacretia Cooper, Lanaysia Cooper, nephews William Anderson, Jr. and Eric Johnson. Dwayne also leaves several grand nieces and nephews, as well as many other family members and friends. Dwayne was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Andrew Watkins and Louise Watkins Dempsey, maternal grandparents Henry R. Lopes and Eardie A. Lopes, and Aunt Regina M. Lopes. The family wishes to acknowledge with heartfelt appreciation the kindness, love, prayers and sympathy and donations during the loss of our loved one, Dwayne Taylor Watkins.

Dwayne Watkins

April 17, 1968 - October 3, 2022