Mrs. Lottie H. Watkins

Mrs. Lottie H. Watkins of Atlanta, Georgia passed away on Monday, February 20, 2017.  The funeral service for Mrs. Lottie H. Watkins will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 11:00AM at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 2295 Benjamin E. Mays Drive, Southwest with Reverend Damon P. Williams, Ph.D, Senior Pastor, officiating and Reverend Dr. Gerald Durley, Eulogist. Interment, Westview Cemetery.  The body will be placed in state at the church at 10:00AM.

Our beloved “Tap” - the quintessential woman, full of faith, love, hope and dreams.  Be it business, politics, civic or community service, she was known as “The Lady to Get It Done.”  Lottie Heywood Watkins was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 4, 1918 to the late Eddie and Susie (Wilson) Heywood. She was adored by her brothers, the late Archie and Eddie Heywood and beloved by her sisters, the late Margie Heywood Oatman and Beulah Heywood Griggs. As a native of Atlanta, she was educated in the Atlanta Public School System and graduated with honors from Booker T. Washington High School. Upon her graduation from Reid’s School of Business, she was employed as a secretary with Alexander-Calloway Realty Company. Lottie married Eddie Rankin and to this union Joyce Elaine was born.  She later married J. Elmo Watkins, and to this union Judy Yvonne was born. With fierce determination, Lottie continued to advance her career while working at Mutual Federal Savings & Loan before she took a leap of faith and started her own business.

In 1960, she founded Lottie Watkins Enterprises and, as CEO, she became the first African American Woman Real Estate Broker in the Atlanta area. Lottie Watkins Enterprises opened on Hunter Street and later moved into a building that she purchased on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard.  By owning this building she was also able to make office space available for other minority business owners. Lottie Watkins Enterprises was a full service real estate and property management company operating successfully in Atlanta for over 55 years.  People could tell at first glance if a property was managed by “The Lady.”  The lawns were well manicured, shrubbery freshly trimmed and pavement swept clean.

Lottie was not only a successful business woman and entrepreneur, but a dedicated and committed activist who was a pillar of strength for her family and community.  She was active in political campaigns on the local, state and federal levels. She was actively involved with the Democratic Party and an avid supporter of President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama, and served as a delegate for her good friend President Jimmy Carter.  She organized, campaigned and supported candidates in Atlanta for decades. She was considered an influencer in Atlanta politics and was frequently sought to offer advice on plans and strategies.  She offered her support to Grace Hamilton, Maynard Jackson, Andrew Young, Bill Campbell, Julian Bond, C.T. Martin, Cleta Winslow, Marvin Arrington Sr., Vincent Fort and Gordon Joyner, just to name a few. Lottie Watkins was a natural leader and in 1977 was elected to the Georgia General Assembly, District 34.  While her civic accomplishments were numerous she was also involved in many leadership roles and Boards of Directors. She was the first female on the Trustee Board at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member.

She was civically engaged in many organizations such as the YMCA, YWCA, NAACP, American Cancer Society, Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Atlanta Council of Human Relations. All of her accomplishments and awards would be too numerous to name. Most notably she was awarded the Pioneer in Real Estate Award (Providence Missionary Baptist Church), Appeal of Human Rights Award (30th Anniversary Celebration of the Civil Rights Movement), Pioneer Award for Community Leadership (Empire Real Estate Board) and Outstanding Achievement in Real Estate and Business Award (Empire Real Estate Board 50th Anniversary). She is listed in Who’s Who of American Women in Finance and Industry; Black World and International Who’s Who in Community Service; and the World’s Who’s Who of Women. In 2006, she was honored by The Atlanta Voice Newspaper as one of “40 Distinct Voices” in Atlanta. In 2008, she was inducted into the Atlanta Business League Hall of Fame.  Governor Nathan Deal presented her with the 2011 State of Georgia’s annual “Leadership, Dedication and Courage in Civil Rights” award.

“Tap” as she was affectionately known, always exhibited the power, fortitude and strength to live unapologetically true to her own standards. Tap was resilient and stood by her beliefs and convictions. She always believed the possibilities for success were limitless. Her dominant strength and commitment to those she loved is a part of her legacy that will be cherished for generations to come. She will be forever missed and loved by her daughter, Joyce Bacote, son-in-law Samuel Bacote, Sr. and daughter Judy Watkins Barnett; grandchildren, Samuel Bacote III (Lisa), S. Joi Bacote Jackson (Ira), Kelli Heywood Bacote-Boone and Justin Barnett; great-grandchildren, Jordan Jackson, Ryan Jackson, Kamryn Boone, Eryn Boone, Jonathan Bacote and Hannah Bacote; her nieces and nephews, Delores Dennis Carter, June Dennis Elder, Edward Heywood III and Robert Heywood; a host of great nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.  She was lovingly cared for and will be dearly missed by her caregivers Alma Jackson and Linda Smith.

Lottie H. Watkins In Her Own Words…

Recorded October 2012 by her Granddaughter Kelli Heywood Bacote-Boone

As I reflect over my life as a young professional woman finding my way in the business world in Atlanta, I always had a dream.  I always envisioned the future success I wanted to achieve.  Whatever I put my hands on I saw it through to completion.  I worked with public service entities and organized and participated in many functions in the community. I lived by the motto, “all that you give will come back to you.”  I understood from my experiences that women must seize opportunities to become empowered by getting involved through civic organizations and serving others.  My friend Jean inspired me to set high standards.  I remember her constantly encouraging me and telling me to step out in the water.  Many people were so generous to me and their constant support motivated me to strive to make a name for myself.  An attribute of successful leaders is their ability to instill hope.  It is my hope to inspire young women and adults today to do the same.  It is up to us to empower ourselves and help others along the way. No one can do it for us. 

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