Will and Sally were born during a pivotal era when the United States was opening new doors to all people, breaking new ground, and adopting a new constitution. It was a time of Reconstruction and new beginnings. Through the years and generations, the Watkins family has walked through the doors put before them, broken new ground, and contributed to their country by serving in the armed forces and in public service to their communities and state.
Will Watkins was born in Madison County sometime between 1860 and 1874. He had two brothers, George and Cobby. Sally Transou came from a much larger family, with four sisters—Lizzie, Dina, Isabella, and Cora—and two brothers, Ernest and Walter. She was also born in Madison County, on August 11, 1874.
Will and Sally met and married in the 1890s (the exact date is unknown). They were a hard-working farming family who put God first in their lives, instilling these deep values and strong instincts in their children down through the generations. Together, they raised ten children—four girls and six boys—giving them meaningful names:
Alberta (meaning noble and bright)
W.D.
Fannie (meaning free)
Willie B.
Prentice
Jennie Mae (meaning gracious gift of God)
Roosevelt
Jimmie D.
Otis
Sallie Mae (meaning princess)
Will passed away in 1937. Sally lived to see a great many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passing away in 1978 at the remarkable age of 104.
Will and Sally would be incredibly proud of their descendants today, of the different roads they have taken, and the diverse talents across the family. They gave to their children the greatest gift a parent could give: love, the will to push forward whether the road is easy or hard, and the grace to give thanks to God in all things. We should thank God for our ancestors and the beautiful heritage passed down from generation to generation. Will and Sally truly gave their children the best.
Recipe for Living
Some things a man must surely know,
If he is going to live and grow:
He needs to know that life is more
Than what a man lays by in store,
That it is more than all he may obtain,
Contentment offers greater gain.
He needs to feel the thrill of mirth,
To sense the beauty of the earth,
To know the joy that kindness brings
And all the worth of little things.
He needs to have an open mind,
A friendly heart for all mankind,
A trust in self—without conceit—
And strength to rise above defeat.
He needs to have the will to share,
A mind to dream, a soul to dare,
A purpose firm, a path to plod,
A faith in man, a trust in God.
Family Tree
Alberta Watkins Day & Charlie Day Family
Alberta was the firstborn child of Will and Sally Watkins. She was born on June 11, 1896. She met and married Charlie Day in 1915. Three children were born to this union: James Otha, Roger, and Jessie. Charlie and Alberta were hard-working farmers who were always willing to lend a helping hand to family and neighbors. They both deeply loved church. Alberta was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Her special talents included quilting and cultivating beautiful flowers and vegetable gardens. Her grandchildren remember her best for her favorite saying: she would always give God thanks for another day. Alberta passed away on April 16, 1977. She leaves a legacy of 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
James Otha Day was born on May 18, 1916. He was married to the late Maggie L. Fuller Day. They had one child, Doris. James Otha resides in Jackson, TN.
Roger Day was born on July 10, 1920. He met Maggie Nell Batchelor at church, and they were married on October 9, 1943. Roger and Maggie Nell had eleven children. Roger passed away on May 29, 1965. They have 27 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Maggie Nell resides in Jackson, TN.
Birdie L. Day Womack, daughter of Jessie Day, lives in Berkeley, MO, with her husband, Robert. They have four children and eight grandchildren.
W.D. Watkins Family
W.D. Watkins was the first son born to Will and Sally Watkins. He was born on May 28, 1898. He met and married Gladys Ingram in 1921. They had four children: Alandus, George, Elvira, and Mildred. Gladys passed away on March 28, 1928. W.D. later entered a second marriage, though no information was provided. W.D. passed away in May 1960.
Fannie M. Watkins VanBuren & Willie M. VanBuren Family
Fannie was the third child born to Will and Sally Watkins. She was born on March 11, 1900, and attended the Ingram Rosenwald School. Willie was born on March 22, 1897, and attended Greer School. They met and got married in March 1915. Fannie's hobbies included sewing, gardening, and canning, while Willie loved building houses and crafting patio furniture. Together, their special talents were singing and playing musical instruments. Their favorite quotes were, "What I say to one I say to all," and "Let God be real in your life." Willie and Fannie were lifelong farmers and were blessed with fifteen children. Willie passed away on October 14, 1975, and Fannie followed on January 20, 1977. Their legacy includes 70 grandchildren, 128 great-grandchildren, and 23 great-great-grandchildren.
Lillie M. VanBuren Branch and baby Branch are both deceased.
Betty M. VanBuren Guinn and her husband, Lucious, are both deceased. They had eight children: Doris, Willie, Nathan, Evelyn, Genette, Staron, Brenda, and Lucious, as well as 17 grandchildren.
Allie B. VanBuren is deceased. Her husband, Eddie L., resides in Memphis, TN. They have 6 children (Bert, Tommie, Catherine, Nathaniel, Ann, and Andrew) and 16 grandchildren.
Lillie Verneia VanBuren Davis and her husband, Earnest Davis Sr., have 8 children and 28 grandchildren. Their children are Earnest Lee Jr., Willie B., Joe Edward, Charles Edward, a baby Davis (deceased), Rose Mae, Hosea E., and Larnce B.
Rose Mae Davis Pack and her husband, Lawrence Pack Sr., live in Jackson, TN. They have 9 children (Tanya, Rodrick, Lawrence, Sylvia, Rita, Robin, Frankie, Marilyn, and Audrey) and 15 grandchildren. Lawrence is a master mechanic, and Rosie enjoys bike riding, reading, and walking.
Hosea E. Davis and his wife, Linda J., live in Covington, TN. Hosea works in production, and Linda is a school bus driver. They have one child.
Larnce B. Davis and his wife, Shirley, live in Humboldt, TN. Larnce works in production, and Shirley is a stockroom clerk. They have 2 children (Larence and Shenika) and 1 grandchild.
Freeman VanBuren lives in San Diego, CA, and has 2 children.
Rosie VanBuren Jones (husband is deceased) is a nurse living in Memphis, TN. She has 8 children and 10 grandchildren.
Hattie Ruth VanBuren Stricklin and her husband, George, live in Memphis, TN. Hattie is a homemaker who loves to sing. They have 2 children (Willie T. and Flora) and 8 grandchildren.
O.D. VanBuren lives in Flint, MI. He is retired from General Motors and has a special talent for singing. He has 10 children and 16 grandchildren.
Earline VanBuren Harris and her husband, Gene, live in Memphis, TN. Earline works for the public school system. They have 7 children and 9 grandchildren.
Reuben VanBuren and his wife, Lucille, live in Memphis, TN. They have 6 children and 6 grandchildren.
Merion VanBuren lives in Mercer, TN, where he works as a farmer. He has 1 child, Ann, and 3 grandchildren.
Fannie B. VanBuren Moses is deceased. Her husband, John, survives her. They had 3 children (Shelly, Pamella, and Cherry) and 4 grandchildren.
Gracie VanBuren lives in Memphis, TN, and works as a nurse's aide. Cooking is her favorite hobby. She has 6 children: Angela, Barbara, Bernard, Bruce, Patricia, and Conrad.
Lovie VanBuren Blackmon and her husband, Samuel, live in Jackson, TN. Lovie enjoys interior decorating, golf, and fishing. They have 4 children (Samuel, Caroline, Gregory, and Michael) and 4 grandchildren (Patrice, Michael, Sean, and Alexis).
Willie B. Watkins Family
Willie B. Watkins was the fourth child born to Will and Sally. He was born on January 28, 1901. He met and married Alice Branch on September 1, 1922. They were dedicated farmers whose hobbies included gardening and sewing. Nine children were born to this union, expanding the family to include 29 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Willie B. served faithfully as a Deacon in the church, and Alice was a Missionary. They loved visiting people and lending a helping hand, living by their main goal to "stay on the battlefield for the Lord." Willie B. passed away on November 27, 1977, and Alice passed away on February 29, 1984.
Elizabeth Watkins Burton and her husband, Ben, live in Jackson, TN, and are both retired. Elizabeth enjoys sewing, singing, and growing flowers. They have 9 children (Theodis, Verlene, Frank, Gloria, Bernon, Linda, Petricia, Stanley, and Junior) and 10 grandchildren.
Sylvester Watkins Reaves and her husband, Cleveland, live in Jackson, TN. Her hobbies and talents include sewing and singing. They have 6 children and 3 grandchildren.
Lee Ann Watkins McBride and her husband, Raymond, live in Denmark, TN. Her talents include sewing, cooking, and singing. They have 4 children (Alger, Gwendolyn, Annette, and Dennis) and 4 grandchildren (Marcus, Jonathon, Craig, and Jeremy).
Willie F. Watkins and his wife, Mattie, reside in Denmark, TN.
Prentice Watkins Family
Prentice Watkins was the fifth child born to Will and Sally. He attended Madison County School and later met Beatrice Terry at a school picnic. They were married in April 1927. Prentice and Beatrice were independent farmers, raising hogs, cows, turkeys, ducks, and various other farm animals, alongside growing a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and nuts. They enjoyed baseball and singing, and Prentice had a special talent for playing the guitar.
Prentice and Beatrice had 10 children, though four unfortunately passed away as infants. Both deeply loved church, and later in life, Prentice became a preacher. He was an ultimate family man, making the rounds to visit his mother, sisters, and brothers nearly every weekend. He loved being around people and never turned anyone in need away. Prentice passed away on March 28, 1961. Beatrice resides in Jackson, TN. Together, they share 25 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Prentice Alvin Watkins was deceased and was the firstborn son of Prentice and Beatrice. He was married to Marilyn Jones. Prentice enjoyed fishing, cooking, and working on cars. He passed away on February 28, 1983, leaving behind two daughters (Gwen and Linda) and six grandchildren.
Frances Marie Watkins Blissett was born on January 24, 1936, and lived in Oran, MO. She was a funeral director, youth counselor, and co-owner of two funeral homes. She and her husband, Eddie, are both deceased. Frances loved to travel. She has 11 children (Faye, Carolyn, David, Deborah, Selista, Brenda, Brenetta, William, Sondra, Stanley, and Terry) and 9 grandchildren. She is also survived by 5 stepchildren (Eddie, Hadie, Alice, Shirley, and Theodore) and 12 step-grandchildren.
Gradia Watkins White was born on April 22, 1937, and lives in Nashville, TN, where she works as a secretary for the Tennessee Education Association. She was married to Bennie L. White. Gradia loves sewing, singing, and helping others. They have 3 children: Precious Elaine, Bennie Lee, and Joseph Terry.
Terry Watkins was born on March 18, 1941, and lives in Jackson, TN, where he works for Jackson General Hospital. He enjoys sports and music and has 2 children: Frances and Terry Wayne.
Herschel Watkins was born on May 22, 1942, and lived in Los Angeles. He worked as a supervisor at Amco Metals, and his wife, Mae, works as a Direct Care Staff member at Barlenda West Hospital. They love gardening, fishing, and spending time with family, and share a special talent for singing and dancing. They have 3 children (Angelia, Lucretia, and Herschel Jr.) and 12 grandchildren.
Lois Watkins Holliday was born on November 25, 1945, and lives in Jackson, TN. She works for the Jackson-Madison County Schools and Kroger. She enjoys music, reading, cooking, and socializing. Lois has 3 children (Robert Jr., Melissa, and Marcie) and 4 grandchildren.
Roosevelt Watkins Family
Roosevelt Watkins was born on February 28, 1907, the seventh child born to Will and Sally. He married Lillie Wilson, whom he met while attending church services at either St. John or Brown Creek church. They both went to the Greer School. Roosevelt and Lillie did not have any children. Roosevelt loved baseball and picking the guitar. He passed away on November 19, 1979.
Jennie Mae Watkins Cole Family
Jennie Mae Watkins was born on October 2, 1911. She was the sixth child and third daughter born to Will and Sally. Jennie Mae grew up in Denmark, TN, and attended the Rosenwald School, where she met Joe Louis Cole. They were married on December 26, 1929, and worked as farmers. They raised 9 children, 42 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Joe Louis passed away on April 6, 1963. In her later years, Jennie Mae lived with her daughter, Lucy.
Lizzie Ruth Cole Bolden and her husband, Willie, live in Paducah, KY, where they run a trucking business. They have 5 children (Jennifer, Felita, Carlos, Steven, and Roderick) and 2 grandchildren.
James E. Cole was born on March 2, 1942, and lives in Jackson, TN. He has 3 children (Debra, Brenda, and Jennifer) and 3 grandchildren.
Lucy Cole Ressell was born on November 29, 1944, and lives in Jackson, TN. She loves singing and dancing. She has 7 children (Michael, Terrion, Gregory, Otis, Kenin, Melissa, and Melinda) and 5 grandchildren.
Jimmie D. Watkins Family
Jimmie D. Watkins was the eighth child and fifth son born to Will and Sally. Except for information regarding a grandson, no other details were provided for this family.
Steve McAllister, grandson of Jimmie D., lives in Jackson, TN, with his wife, Betty. Steve works as a Lab Technician for Quaker Oats, and Betty is a nurse at Jackson General Hospital. They enjoy bowling, swimming, horseback riding, singing, and gardening. They have 3 children: Marquis, Steve, and Montrez.
Otis Watkins Family
Otis Watkins was born on May 10, 1912, the ninth child born to Will and Sally. He married Alvoid Bond on October 7, 1933, and they had 9 children. From his second marriage to Thelma Morgan Horton, he gained 2 stepchildren, raising a total of 11 children. Early in life, Otis worked as a farmer before moving into construction and later delivering medicine for the Pinkston & Scruggs Drug Store. He loved hunting, was an excellent listener, and was known for giving sound advice.
Otis was a faithful member of Lane Chapel Church for at least 60 years, serving as both Deacon and Treasurer for many years. His favorite sayings were, "Time ain't long as it once has been," and "I've got the best children in the world." Otis passed away on January 7, 1986. He leaves behind 49 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Stella Watkins Greer and her husband, James, lived in Alton, IL. Stella was a homemaker and James was retired. They enjoyed softball and walking. They have 9 children (James [Jeep], Barbara, Harold, Nancy, Gregory, Ronald, Valerie, Stacy, and Brenda), 26 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
Eunice M. Watkins Umphries and her husband, George, lived in St. Louis, MO. Eunice works as a Computer Equipment Analyst for the U.S. Government, and George was a supervisor for the U.S. Postal Service. They enjoy organizing, decorating, and helping others. They have 2 children (Glenda and Gregory) and 2 grandchildren (Genae and Gerrod).
Otis Watkins Jr. and his wife, Maxine, lived in Bethalto, IL. They loved fishing and have 5 children (Betty, Dennis, Shedric, Tina, and Christy) and 10 grandchildren.
Ada Louise Watkins Johnson lived in Alton, IL, and was a homemaker. She has 14 children: Shirley, Lynda, Loleatha, Felesha, Ramona, Sandra, Earl, Dwayne, Donald, Donna, Tracey, Tanya, Robert, and Lakiesha.
George Sims Watkins and his wife, Mary, live in Los Angeles, CA. George worked in aircraft manufacturing, and Mary was a lab technician. They have 4 children (George Jr., Malinda, Sean, and Christopher) and 3 grandchildren.
Willie Cornelia Watkins Neveles and her husband, Isiah, lived in Alton, IL. Cornelia worked as a cashier and is a talented hairstylist, while Isiah was a machine operator. They love the outdoors and barbecuing. They have 1 child (Melanie) and 3 grandchildren (Amber, Nova, and Mariah).
John E. Watkins and his wife, Patricia, live in Atlanta, GA. John is a Computer Systems Analyst, and Pat was a schoolteacher. They both enjoy sports. They have 2 children (Chaka and Darrell) and 3 grandchildren (Brianna, Marcus, and Denzell).
Larry Watkins lived in Alton, IL, and worked in aircraft manufacturing.
Sallie Mae Watkins Jackson Family
Sallie Mae Watkins Jackson was born on December 9, 1919. She was the fourth daughter and the final child born to Will and Sally. She attended the Ingram, Rosenwald, and Golden Schools. It was during this time that she met Alfred Ezell Taylor, and they were married on December 25, 1938. Ezell and Sallie Mae grew up in the Huntersville and Cerro Gordo communities, where they worked as farmers. They both loved going to church, gardening, and sharing with neighbors. They raised hogs for winter meat and gathered wild grapes to make Christmas wine to share with friends.
Sallie Mae and Ezell shared a love for baseball, basketball, and singing. They had 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. At age 71, Sallie Mae continued to dedicate her time to helping others through the "Adopt a Grandparent" program, even appearing in a television commercial to promote it. Living up to the meaning of the name her parents gave her; she truly lived as "a princess." She resided in Jackson, TN.
Willie Alfred Taylor and his wife, Bessie, lived in Denmark, TN. Willie drove a school bus for the Madison County Schools, and Bessie cooked for the Jackson-Madison County Hospital. They enjoyed fishing, hunting, cookouts, and sports. They have 3 children: Karen, Eric, and Sharon.
Lettie Mae Taylor Fuller lives in Jackson, TN. Her husband, Bethel James, is deceased. She works as a package operator for the Quaker Oats Company and loves sports, church, and socializing. They have 2 children: Bethel James and Wanda Yvette.
Bethel J. Fuller and his wife, Constance, live in Houston, TX. He is a department manager for Academy Sporting Goods, and Constance is an office administrator for Monroe Systems for Business Inc. They enjoy basketball, tennis, and movies.
Wanda Yvette Moore and her husband, Dwayne Eddie, live in Jackson, TN. Wanda is a nurse's assistant at Jackson General Hospital, and Dwayne works in production for Bruce Hardwood. They love all sports and have 3 children: Chris, Chelsey, and Crystal.
John Henry Taylor was married to Ora Lee, a nurse's aide, and had one child, Mitchell. John Henry served in the U.S. Army and was proudly killed in the line of duty during the Vietnam War.
Earnest Lee Jackson lived in Jackson, TN, and was married to Eldrid. He worked for Procter & Gamble before he tragically lost his life in a fire. He loved working on cars. They have 5 children: Tommie, Earnest, Tracy, Tyrone, and Derick.
Golden Watkins Family
Golden Watkins is the son of George Watkins, who was Will Watkins' brother. Golden and his wife, Julie, live in Missouri and have 3 children: Beverly, Gladys, and Ronnie. Golden was a family man whose doors were always open to friends and relatives. He was a multi-talented individual, well-known for singing with a gospel group, part-owning a radio station, and quoting poetry. He was remembered by all as truly special and one of a kind.
"Like branches on a tree, we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one." — The Watkins Family Motto