Rayshawn Lester Watkins Jr.

Rayshawn’s Journey

Good morning. Today, Rayshawn Lester Watkins, affectionately known as "Ray Ray," was a beacon of joy and laughter in the Cleveland community. Born on February 8th, 2011, in Cleveland, Ohio, Rayshawn's vibrant spirit and generous heart left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 14, when he passed away due to gun violence on March 19th, 2025, in his hometown of Cleveland.

Rayshawn's life was one of connection and love, surrounded by a large and close-knit family. Although preceded in death by several dear family members including his Grandma; Mary Stubbs, Grandfathers; Jerry Baker and Lester Jones   his great grandmother Mary Stubbs, grandmother Shelia Watkins, older brother Rodrick Frost Jr., great aunts Linnett Stubbs and Mary Ann Watkins, aunt Sharde Stubbs, great uncle Julius Stubbs, uncle Jerry Watkins, and cousin Ricketa McLoyd, Rayshawn's memory will be cherished and kept alive by those he leaves behind. His mother Jamela Stubbs, father Rayshawn Watkins Sr., step-father Andre Baker, siblings Johnnaja, Jayquan, Janyla, J’Sean, and Rayniyah Watkins, along with his aunt Davona Stubbs, uncles Dayvontae, Nathaniel, and Michael Watkins,Jerry Baker and Ajeremiah Baker. cousin Renita McLoyd, cousin Michael Stubbs, and a host of other cousins and friends, will forever hold Rayshawn in their hearts.

A student at Cleveland Public Schools and later at Cleveland Heights City School, Rayshawn was known for his quick wit and readiness to lend a hand. He was a young man of many talents and interests. Working alongside his grandfather, uncles, and brothers at a tire shop, Rayshawn honed his skills and developed a reputation for being incredibly handy. He also worked on houses with his step-father, where he learned the value of hard work and craftsmanship.

Rayshawn's interests extended beyond his work. He had a passion for life, evident in his love for joking around, immersing himself in video games, and playing football outside with his sisters. His laughter was infectious, and his presence could light up a room. Those who knew Rayshawn best would describe him as funny, generous, and incredibly handy—words that only begin to capture the essence of his spirited personality.

As we remember Rayshawn, one quote from the beloved author Dr. Seuss comes to mind: "To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world." Rayshawn was indeed the world to many, touching lives with his humor, kindness, and generosity.

Though his time with us was far too short, Rayshawn Lester Watkins's legacy will live on through the smiles he brought to people's faces, the help he gave without hesitation, and the love he shared unconditionally. His memory will serve as a guiding light to all who had the privilege of knowing him, a reminder of the profound impact one young life can have on a community. Ray Ray's spirit will forever be a part of Cleveland, and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him.

Missing Puzzle Pieces               

Whenever knew that morning God was going to call your name always know we Love you in life and we do the same in death.it broke our Hearts to lose you but always know you didn’t go alone part of us went with you! The day god called you home our puzzle was broken and it would never be the same without you, but as God call us one by one, our puzzle will be back together.

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