Josephine Frances Watkins, a long-time resident of Pittsburg, CA, passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2023. Josephine, born on July 22, 1940, grew up in Pittsburg. At the age of 22, she married R. Leon Watkins Jr. and went on to have three sons. She graduated from Pittsburg High School (Class of 1958) and studied Education at the University of the Pacific, earning her teaching credential and then taught elementary school for the Pittsburg Unified School District. She was described by many as "the most pleasant person you could ever meet" and treasured the opportunity to teach multiple hundreds of Pittsburg's children.

After retirement, Josephine enjoyed the company of her children and grandchildren and spent time on her hobbies of antiquing, painting, flower arranging, going to the theater and attending monthly lunches with, as s he would joke, "the high school girls". She was a member of Catholic Daughters of America, Pittsburg Women's Community League, and Ladies of the Elks.

Josephine is survived by sons Gregory (Lisa) Watkins, Richard (Jill) Watkins, Randy Watkins, daughter-in-law Stacy Watkins, her six grandchildren; Emma, Alex, Madison, Nick, Delaney and Jason; and nephew Anthony Mercurio. She is preceded in death by her husband Leon, father Frank, mother Ida and brother Anthony.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 5:00pm with a vigil at 6:00pm at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel. Funeral liturgy Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 10:00am at Church of the Good Shepherd. Committal services following at Holy Cross Cemetery in Antioch.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in the memory of Josephine's name be made to Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court 1450, 38 Zion Ave, Pittsburg, CA 94565 or the Pittsburg Community Women's League, 4254 Heights Avenue Pittsburg, CA 94565.