The Reverend Joni K. (Henney) Watkins went home to see her Jesus on June 28, 2012. She was surrounded by all of her family. Joni was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Joni was born on December 21, 1955, in Cleveland, OH. The family moved to KY in 1970. Joni graduated from Ballard High School in 1974, and graduated from Murray State with a degree in agriculture. Later in life she received her calling and began attending the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where she earned her Masters of Religious Arts. She was a Commissioned Deacon in the United Methodist Church. For many years, Joni was the Director of Operations at the Portland Promise Center, which provides inner city outreach. Joni was a longstanding member of IFMA. She was actively involved in the Louisville Emmaus, and REC Communities. Joni is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Stephen H. Watkins: sons, Andrew D. and Jon-Michael L.; father, DeWitt Henney (Janet); brothers, Michael Henney (Cathy), Lee Henney (Charla) and Jonathan Henney (Lesley); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Joni’s memorial service will be held Saturday, July 14 at Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro Road at 11 a.m. It will be followed by a celebration of her life at the church’s Fellowship Hall until 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Portland Promise Center in Joni’s memory; P.O. Box 11865, Louisville, KY 40251; or donate.portlandpromise.org. Well done, good and faithful servant.

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