To all supporters of Watkins St. Cemetery (formerly the Colored People Cemetery):

The time has come for me to turn over the leadership of the Worthy Women of Watkins Street Cemetery to others, so this represents my resignation as president as of Dec. 31.

I trust that the new leaders will continue to carry out our mission to maintain and preserve the 17-acre, 100-year-old cemetery located seven blocks out North Union Street, where thousands of Afro-Americans were buried and are now listed on “The Forks” Web site.

I am deeply grateful for the support that hundreds of my fellow Natchezians both black and white have given me since I assumed my mission in 2002 and chartered the organization in 2005.

Two accomplishments are: the cemetery has been designated as a historic site by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and application for nomination to the National Registry of Cemeteries.

I shall continue to volunteer to preserve the Rhythm Night Club section and hope that many of you will also.

Cemeteries are a part of our Christian heritage.

For Jesus asked Mary, “Where have you buried him?”

Thelma T. White

Natchez resident