Gracie Watkins

Gracie Marie Greathouse Watkins age 85 of Hot Springs was born November 29, 1933 in Tollette, AR to the late James A. and Sammie Lee Greathouse. Although the family moved to Hot Springs, AR, she lived in Tollette with her grandmother, Annette Newton, until the age of 16. She was a member of Cottrell Chapel C.M.E. Church. She was a graduate of Langston High School class of 1952. She worked for Worthen bank for 20+ years until she retired due to health reasons. She enjoyed cooking for her family, gardening, and sports. She was the first African American female horse owner to win a race at Oaklawn Race track. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Wallace Charles "Tree" Watkins, siblings Zesther Casey, James Greathouse, Cedell Briggs, Annette Mitchell, Glen Greathouse, and Arlinda Huff. She was married to William Clark Watkins on March 8, 1955 and to this union six children were born. She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, William "Bill" Watkins of Hot Springs, children, William Errol (Susan) Watkins, Dirragh Rose, Janet Walker and Anita (Billy) Robinson all of Hot Springs, and Richard Watkins of Gary, IN. Her siblings, Therie Wiggins of Hot Springs and Barbara Brown of Dolton, IL, 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 4:00-6:00 PM at Cottrell Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 698 East Grand Ave. Funeral service will be Monday, September 23, 2019, at 12:00 Noon at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church 497 Crescent Ave. Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.