Carroll Watkins, 77, Leader In Gwynn Oak

Carroll Asbury Watkins of Gwynn Oak died Wednesday, Dec. 16, at Northwest Hospital in Randallstown. He was 77.

Watkins was born July 3, 1943, in Baltimore, according to his obituary.

"Carroll Watkins was a giant in our community," Councilman Julian Jones said in a statement this week. The longtime president of the Gwynn Oak Community Association was a father and friend in addition to being a local leader, according to the councilman.

"Carroll started every interview of political candidates with 'What are you going to do for my community?'" he recalled. "Every election, Carroll was posted at Powha­­­­­­­tan Elementary School advocating for candidates who was best for his community."

During National Night Out — the annual summertime event to bridge relations between neighborhoods and police — the councilman recalled how Watkins, the former president of the Police Community Relations Council, made it a point to ensure activities and food were on hand for the children.

"He was deeply involved in every committee, organization, event and everything that affected his community," Jones said. "He led on so many issues and deeply cared about the Gwynn Oak community and every person who lived there," Jones said. "Carroll was truly a treasure to our community."

Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown.

A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services.

People may send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carroll Watkins through the funeral home.