Thanks to the vision and work of a small non-profit organization Worthy Women of Watkins Street Cemetery Association, the former “Colored Cemetery” is once again becoming a serene and attractive resting place for our beloved and respected black foreparents and citizens.

The association members express their deep gratitude to those faithful donors and supporters who trusted us to reclaim this 15-acre, 1,000-plus plot site from the forest it had become. There is much work to be done, yet we are very appreciative of all donations received although labor and equipment costs far exceeded our receipts.

We are continuing to solicit support through donations, memberships and memorial dedications to deceased family members, loved ones and friends.

We extend our special thanks to the Adams County Board of Supervisors and Sheriff Ronny Brown, the City of Natchez and Alderman Ricky Gray for their assistance, the Rev. Maurice Irving for clearing 40-year-old trees from the lower cemetery bayou section and continuing the ongoing process of reclaiming that area, Girl Scout Troop No. 862 under Mrs. Angela Brooks’ leadership and the donation of labor and equipment from Adams County Sigma Beta Club. We thank the various churches and everyone who contributed monetary donations throughout the year and we ask for your continued support of the enormous task or providing ongoing care at Watkins Street Cemetery.

We are graciously accepting donations of equipment, lawn mowers, weed trimmers or power saws.

Association members Adair White Jackson and Mrs. Pamela Elery’s Ameri-Corps Group have completed cataloguing the grave names.

This listing is posted on our associate organization’s Web site at www.forksoftheroad.net.

Our annual fundraiser program will be at the NAPAC Museum, 301 Main St., Natchez at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Our program theme, “Reflections and Remembrance,” will consist of a various information concerning the cemetery, including a panel discussion, pictorial progress display, catalogue of names, local talent and refreshments.

The program will be recorded to become a part of our history.

So please join us on this date to share your knowledge of the cemetery and become a part of our history!

Thank you very much! We hope to see you there!

Thelma T. White is President of Watkins Street Cemetery Association.