A History of Watkins Street Cemetery

“In 1909 in consideration of $500 and five promissory notes of $700 each, the Natchez Colored Cemetery Association duly incorporated by ten men of color, purchased approximately seventeen acres of land in northern Natchez from Albert E. James. This transaction established The Colored Peoples’ Cemetery, known today as The Watkins’ Street Cemetery. At different intervals through the years, several funeral directors or organizations following the death of the incorporators managed this privately owned cemetery. For the past several years, the cemetery was without regular maintenance resulting in immense deterioration as the only noticeable attention was provided by hired personal caretakers of local or out of town residents who inherited plots from deceased family members.

            The Worthy Women of Watkins’ Cemetery Association organized in 2005 by Mrs. Thelma T. White seeks to restore and maintain this historic African American cemetery. This gigantic effort has progressed through the cooperation of local officials, community volunteers and local and out of town donations. Accomplishments include removal of trees and debris; several clearings of overgrowth and sprayings; petitioning city officials to install drainage and grave lanes, petitioning Adams County Supervisors to provide inmate labor from the Sheriff’s Department to assist with regular maintenance, cataloguing tombstone information, decorating Veterans graves on special holidays and installing a gate.

            A recent and significant accomplishment is submitting an application to the Department of Archives and History for a certificate of historical significance for unmarked burials associated with the Rhythm Night Club Fire of 1940. This certificate awarded in June 2006 instructs the County Board to exercise authority granted under Section 35-5-19 of MS Code annotated, 1972, to repair, rehabilitate and maintain these unmarked burials as a historical monument.

            Plans are to install section markers, erect entrance signs and establish a Rhythm Night Club Fire Monument to identify this burial site. Other appropriate improvements deemed pertinent to the preservation and beautification of the cemetery will be implemented.

            This is our Second Annual Program appealing to churches, groups, businesses, organizations and individuals for much needed monthly, semiannual or annual donations to the Watkins’ Street Cemetery Fund established at Britton & Koontz Bank. All donations are tax deductible. We graciously appreciate all past, present and future donations. Good intentions alone will not achieve our goals. We operate solely on the generosity of those who care enough to give.” WWW Cemetery Association Members: Mrs. Thelma White, President, Mrs. Dorothy Sanders, Treasurer, Mrs. Rosalie F. Hawkins, Assist. Treasurer, Mrs. Carolyn Smith, Secretary, Minister Dorothy Hills, Public Relations, Mrs. Gloria J. Butler, Mrs. Rose Dromgoole, Mrs. Adair W. Jackson.

Make donation checks payable to: WWW Cemetery Association. Mail to:

P. O. Box 17893 Natchez, Ms. 39122