Obituary of Balfour Lambert-Watkins

Balfour Franklin Anthony Lambert-Watkins Sr. (AKA. Tony), was born on Sunday, January 17th, 1937. He was born to Earnest Lambert-Watkins and Lucile Lambert-Watkins (Nee Anderson) in Kingston, Jamaica West Indies. Tony is number 11 of 12 siblings that have all preceded him in death, Noel, Doreen, Frank, Bancroft, Herbert, Noelle, Lunsford, Gladys, Beresford, Horace and Norris Lambert- Watkins along with their parents. As a child he attended St. Aloysious primary school. After completion of primary school he then went on to St. Georges College, where he ran track. Upon graduating Tony then took a position with the Ministry of Labor until his migration to the United States. While in Kingston, Tony met a young woman by the name of Thelma Alethia Veira. They fell in Love and got married on May 26, 1962. Their union produced three children, Balfour Franklin Anthony Lambert-Watkins II, Antoinette Lambert-Watkins and Thelma Patricia Lambert-Watkins. In September of 1968, Balfour and his family migrated to the United States. Upon his migration he held down two jobs, one with Merrill Lynch and the second at Chase Bank. The family resided in Brooklyn, NY for 10 years. In 1978 the family then relocated to Freeport, NY. Shortly after relocating to Freeport, Tony acquired a 3rd job at night with the New York City Transit Authority as a train operator, where he was a renowned workman. Sadly, On April 1, 1993 Tony was proceeded in death by his wife Thelma, followed by their son Balfour F. A, Lambert-Watkins II, on December 21, 2010. After Thelma’s passing, he was a loving Grandfather by day, helping to raise 3 of his Grandchildren Avery, Aaron and Akira and by night he was embedded in his work duties with Transit. Tony would later retire from Chemical Bank in 1996, and subsequently retire from New York City Transit on July 17, 2007. Regrettably, on Sunday, November 26, 2023, the Lord saw fit to call Tony home. Tony leaves behind two daughter’s Antoinette and Thelma (Pat) Lambert-Watkins, daughter In-law Sandra Lambert-Watkins (Balfour F. A. Lambert-Watkins II). Seven grandchildren; Angelique, Balfour III, Kenneth, Avery, Aaron, Brooke and Akira. Three Great grandchildren; Anthony, Samyra and Kai, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.