Nellie C. Watkins of Florissant, MO departed this life at her home following an extended illness on Saturday, August 24, 2008 at the age of 63. Nellie was born on St. Louis, the daughter of the late James Harry Buchanan, Sr. and the late Lottie Louise Buchanan. She was sister to James H. Buchanan, Jr. and the late Lillian E. Villars. Nellie was married to William H. Watkins, of which union one child was born, Cameron J. Watkins, who preceded her in death.
Nellie attended Soldan High School and upon her graduation, she matriculated to Washington University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree with a dual major in Education and Librarianship and a minor in Social Studies. Following her graduation from Washington University, Nellie embarked on an education career with Parkway School District. She served as librarian at Bellerive Elementary School until her retirement.
During the course of Nellie’s teaching career, she received a number of achievement awards for excellence. She was recognized for being an innovator, and she initiated a number of programs that stressed the love of reading and a greater appreciation for cultural and racial diversity. Following Nellie’s retirement, she continued to contribute to several well-respected educational initiatives that were directed at uplifting racial and cultural diversity.
Nellie was a member of West Side Missionary Baptist Church and served as a Youth Sunday School teacher. She also served as President and Vice-President of the Halls Ferry School Teacher Organization in the Ferguson Florissant School District, and she served as a member of the Executive Board and Vice-President of the Cross Keys Middle School.