Funeral services for Camden County Corrections Officer Isiah Hampton Watkins will be held on March 26 at Bethany Baptist Church in Lindenwold, with interment to follow at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden. The procession from the church to the cemetery will pass by the Camden County Correctional Facility, where Officer Watkins served.
The event is expected to draw family, friends, officials, and first responders from across the region. Officer Watkins, who was 36 years old, died on March 10 after suffering a medical emergency while traveling to begin his shift at the correctional facility. Emergency personnel responded quickly but were unable to save him.
Commissioner Jonathan Young, liaison to the Department of Corrections, said, “Our corrections officers do the hard work that often goes unseen, and Officer Watkins was a young man in the prime of his life and career. This is a truly devastating loss, and I extend my most sincere condolences to Officer Watkins’ family, friends, and to his broader family – the Camden County Department of Corrections.”
Officer Watkins was recognized for his professionalism and dedication to both residents and coworkers at the facility. He grew up in Gloucester Township and chose a career in law enforcement as part of his commitment to serving his community.
The Camden County Board of Commissioners has announced that department flags at the Federal Street facility will remain at half-staff until funeral services conclude. The county supports more than 500,000 residents across 37 municipalities according to its official website. It advances community welfare through education initiatives, workforce development programs, public safety efforts—including those carried out by corrections officers—and other public services according to its official website.
Camden County operates under a seven-member Board of Commissioners who serve staggered three-year terms according to its official website. Its operations include maintaining parks, libraries, nutrition centers, and providing services aimed at enhancing quality of life through health care access and transportation improvements according to its official website.
The passing of Officer Watkins highlights the important role corrections officers play in maintaining public safety within Camden County’s facilities. Community members are expected to gather in remembrance as county leaders continue their focus on supporting both staff and residents.
