lawyer Watkins
1922-1997
Life Story
Birth & Parentage
Lawyer Watkins was born on February 18, 1922, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Herman Watkins (1895–?) and Bettie Watts Watkins (1895–1978). He was a native of Newton County and remained closely connected to the Saint John community throughout his life.
Education & Training
In 1950, Lawyer Watkins was listed as attending school in Veterans Vocational training, reflecting the post–World War II emphasis on education and skilled preparation for returning servicemen.
Military Service
Lawyer Watkins was a World War II veteran. He enlisted in the United States Army on October 12, 1942, and was discharged on February 23, 1944. His service placed him among the many Newton County men whose wartime experiences shaped their postwar lives.
Marriage & Family
Lawyer Watkins married Levie Mae Donald (1923–1967) on September 5, 1942. From this union, twelve children were born, one of whom preceded his mother in death. Children identified through obituary and family records include:
Daughters
- Johnnie Ruth Watkins Evans, Newton
- Mary Addie Watkins Ickom, Lake, Mississippi
- Betty Jean Watkins Moncrief, Gulfport, Mississippi
- Lela Mae Watkins Sanders, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Margaret Ann Watkins (1952–1976)
Sons
- Arthur Watkins (1948–2024)
- Lawyer Watkins, Jr.
- Curtis Watkins, Gulfport, Mississippi
- James E. Watkins, Forest, Mississippi
- Henry Charles Watkins
- Milton Watkins (1956–?)
The family later became geographically dispersed, reflecting broader migration patterns from rural Newton County to urban centers.
Work & Community Life
Lawyer Watkins was employed as a railroad worker, a position he held for many years before retirement. In addition to his working life, newspaper records document his service as a Petit Jury member, reflecting civic participation during an era when African American jury service remained limited and significant.
Church Membership
He was a faithful member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, where he maintained lifelong ties. His funeral services were held at Saint John, underscoring his standing within the church community.
Death & Burial
Lawyer Watkins passed away on February 27, 1997, at Newton Regional Hospital. Funeral services were held at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery.
Survivors (as listed in his obituary)
At the time of his death, Lawyer Watkins was survived by:
- Daughters: Johnnie Ruth (Newton), Mary Addie Ickom (Forest), Lela Mae Sanders (Indianapolis), Betty Jane Watkins (Gulfport)
- Sons: Charles Watkins, Curtis Watkins (both of Gulfport), James E. Watkins (Forest), Arthur Watkins and Lawyer Watkins, Jr. (both of Indianapolis)
- Brothers: Charlie Watkins (Newton), Marvin Watkins (San Diego)
- Sisters: Addie Lewis (Chunky), Minnie Lee Moore (Gulfport), Ceola Chapman (Flint, Michigan), Lucy Flangon and Ann Lois Watkins (Chicago)
- Many grandchildren
Historical Note
Lawyer Watkins’ life reflects the intertwined paths of military service, vocational training, railroad labor, and church-centered community life that characterized mid-20th-century African American men in Newton County. Through his large family and long association with Saint John, his legacy remains firmly embedded in the church’s historical record.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Mrs. Levie Mae Watkins Obituary, Wed, Mar 15, 1967 ·Page 9
- Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
- Clarion-Ledger, Lawyer Watkins Obituary, Tue, Mar 04, 1997 ·Page 13
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., Veterans’ Gravesites, ca.1775-2019
- U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014
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