Terry L. Watkins – Monongahela
Obituaries
April 2, 2023

Terry L. Watkins – Monongahela

By obits

 

Terry L. Watkins, 76, of Monongahela, Victory Hill, died Friday, March 31, 2023, in Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born Jan. 22, 1947, in Boise, Idaho, the son of Joyce Call Watkins. Terry was a man with a vision. He was a unifier with the tact necessary to rally men. He loved his God, family and country. He had compassion and genuine love for everyone he met. In 2011, he became an ordained pastor and later received his doctorate in Christian counseling. Terry was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Whether fishing or attending individual sporting events, he enjoyed being with his daughters and grandchildren. He and his wife, Maryalyce, would have celebrated their 50th anniversary in May. Sgt. First Class retired Terry Watkins served 24 years in the United States Army and was a Vietnam veteran. During his military career, his accomplishments were many, from being stationed in Elrama as a missile field radar chief to becoming a highly successful recruiter. He received recognition for his exemplary leadership and model performance record. While serving, Watkins was presented with hundreds of awards, some of which included the Meritorious Service Medal and the prestigious Gold Badge for recruiting. He was the director of the Royal Rangers in Central Pennsylvania and an honorary member of the Screaming Eagles. Terry was a true patriot, family man and a devoted servant of God. He is survived by his wife, Maryalyce Taylor Watkins; two daughters, Elizabeth Ann Vahaly of Bethel Park and Jennifer Ann (Mark) Vinsick of Star Junction; six grandchildren, Ashley Watkins, Angela and Andrew Vahaly, and Aaron, Sarah and Joshua Vinsick; a brother, Dwayne; and a sister, Roberta. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lavonne. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC., 427 W. Main St., Monongahela, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023, with the Rev. Nathan Walters officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.fryefuneralhome.com.

Graduation day at PennWest California
Latest News, Main
December 15, 2025
Hannah Smith, an elementary education major from Cecil, celebrates with fellow graduates during PennWest California’s Fall 2025 commencement ceremony Saturday at the Convocation Center. See more photo...
BVA investigating social media threats
Latest News, Main
December 15, 2025
In response, police will have an increased presence today at Rostraver Elementary. By LADIMIR GARCIA and TAYLOR BROWN lgarcia@yourmvi.com tbrown@yourmvi.com Belle Vernon Area School District officials...
Up to 6 inches of snow blankets the Mon Valley
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 15, 2025
The storm was followed by bitter cold, but a warmup is in the forecast for later this week. Snow from a weekend winter storm tapered off early Sunday morning, but not before dropping several inches ac...
Latest winners honored in Ideas 2 Enterprise program
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 15, 2025
Hannah Widdifield of Simple String Studio won first-place honors and a $5,000 grant. Big ideas and small businesses were in the spotlight Thursday as local entrepreneurs gathered to celebrate the late...
Carnegie Free Library of McKeesport has new director
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 15, 2025
Michael Chirichella wants people to feel at home whenever they visit the library. By COLETTE FUNCHES McKeesport Community Newsroom When visitors enter the doors of the Carnegie Free Library of McKeesp...
Elizabeth Township sets water shut-off procedure
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 15, 2025
It runs through March 31, covering non-payment issues for the winter. Elizabeth Township has approved a water shut-off procedure with Pennsylvania American Water for customers who don’t pay their bill...