levie mae donald Watkins
1923-1967
Life Story
Birth & Parentage
Levie Mae Donald Watkins was born on July 27, 1923, in Newton County, Mississippi, to John Donald (1891–?) and Addie B. Ware Donald (1898–1941). She was raised within the extended Donald family network that was closely connected to Saint John and the surrounding Newton County community.
Marriage & Family
On September 5, 1942, Levie Mae married Lawyer Watkins (1922–1997). From this union, twelve children were born, one of whom preceded her in death. Children specifically identified in family and census records include:
- Mary Addie Watkins (1943-2009)
- Johnnie Ruth Watkins (1945–?)
- Betty Jean Watkins (1945–?)
- Arthur Watkins (1948–2024)
- Lawyer Watkins, Jr. (1949–?)
- Margaret Ann Watkins (1952–1976)
- Milton Watkins (1956–?)
Other children are documented in her obituary but are not fully named in surviving family records.
Home & Daily Life
By 1950, Levie Mae was married and listed as keeping house, a role that reflected the demands of raising a large family while maintaining the household. Her life centered on family, church, and community responsibilities.
Church Membership & Faith
Levie Mae was a lifelong member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, having joined in early childhood. Her obituary describes her as a faithful church worker, and her Christian life was remembered and spoken of highly by those who knew her.
Death & Burial
After a brief illness, Levie Mae Donald Watkins passed away on March 5, 1967. Funeral services were held at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church near Newton, with burial in the church cemetery. Arrangements were directed by Holifield Funeral Home of Forest, Mississippi.
Survivors (as listed in her obituary)
At the time of her death, Levie Mae was survived by:
- Her husband: Lawyer Watkins
- Five daughters:
- Mrs. John Ruth Evans, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Mrs. Bettie Jean Moncrief, Gulfport, Mississippi
- Mrs. Mary Addie Achom, Lake, Mississippi
- Miss Lela Mae Watkins
- Miss Margaret Watkins
- Six sons:
- Arthur Watkins
- Lawyer Watkins, Jr.
- Curtis Lee Watkins
- James Watkins
- Henry Charles Watkins
- Milton Watkins
- Six grandchildren
- Two sisters:
- Mrs. Catherine Evans, Newton
- Mrs. Beatrice Holloway, Gulfport
- Three brothers:
- Johnny Donald, Newton
- Cleveland Donald, Jackson
- Richard Donald, New York
- Four aunts, including Mrs. Bessie Drummond and Mrs. Laura Donald, both of Newton
- Several other relatives and friends
Historical Note
Levie Mae Donald Watkins’ life reflects the central role of women in sustaining family, faith, and continuity within Newton County’s African American community. Through her children and extended kin, her legacy remains interwoven with the story of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church and the Donald family line.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 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
- U.S., Cemetery and Funeral Home Collection, 1847-Current
- Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014
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