Lillian E. (Lee) Watkins
Lillian E. (Lee) Watkins
was born on June 4, 1906 as the oldest daughter of John Henry and Martha Ella (Taylor) Lee. She was born in the Reservation community and grew up in a family who established self-sufficiency through their own oystering business.
Lillian was fifteen years old when her family was forced to relocate. As a teenager, she saw her parents lose their 66 acres of land in the Reservation.
Lillian studied home economics at Virginia State College for Negroes. She married Earnest Watkins and had one daughter, Ethel Watkins (later Fuller).
Lillian became one of the early teachers in James City County and served the Williamsburg-James City County Schools for 40 years. She also worked for a time in food service at Walsingham Academy.
Lillian Lee
Source: The Lee Family
In this oral history excerpt, descendants Curtis Lassiter, Christine James, and Mary Lassiter share their memories of Lillian Watkins as a kind but no-nonsense woman.
Mr. Curtis Lassiter, Mrs. Christine James, and Ms. Mary Lassiter
Source: Oral History conducted by Amy Quark and Molly Robinson, April 24, 2022, The Village Initiative Collection
Sisters Yearda Lee and Lillian (Lee) Watkins
Source: The Lee Family
Lillian was known as a skilled seamstress and spent part of her career working in Charlie Gary's tailor shop in the Triangle hub of Black businesses. Her neice Christine James recalled that Lillian made matching curtains and bed spreads for her daughter, Ethel's, dorm room that were later passed down to Christine.
Lillian was also active in civic affairs. She ran for the Powhatan District seat on the James City County Board of Supervisors in 1975. While unsuccsssful, she blazed a trail for Black women.
Lillian served as president of Lightfoot Community Senior Citizen's Club, a member of the board of directors of OEO, and a member of Lightfoot Community Protective Association. Lillian was also a member of St. John Baptist Church.
Lillian (Lee) Watkins
Source: The Lee Family
Lillian (Lee) Watkins passed away on January 4, 1977 at the age of 70.
Lillian (Lee) Watkins, obituary
Source: The Lee Family
Lillian (Lee) Watkins, headstone
Source: The Lee Family