My Many Blessings

I was blessed to be born to a religious home in Hot Springs, AR. I attended and graduated from a segregated school system where I was inducted into the National Honor Society in my junior year at Langston High School. 

William Earl and Ethel May Watkins (deceased) were parents with strict, religious, southern platform from which their paternal guidelines were formed and executed. My siblings, William Clark (Gracie, deceased), Clara Ann (deceased), Helen Alverne, and Rebecca Earle “Becky” (Darrell Finney), and I ALL followed the same rules set by our parents. This was a blessing because it helped set the standards on which the rest of my life would be built. 

After leaving high school, I attended Lincoln University (MO). I received my Bachelor of Music Degree in Theory and Composition and became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. I returned to complete a major in Piano and Music Education. 

I started my teaching career in Lonoke, AR. The school system was segregated and was interested in an elementary teacher who could establish a music department for their city. I taught fifth grade several years, library one year, and was the choral and instrumental music teacher in the high school my last two years. 

I left the school district mid-year to enroll in the inaugural graduate program in music at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR. I received my master’s in music education. 

I applied and continued my teaching career in Gary, IN. After teaching for several years, I was selected to become the Head Teacher for the newly established Saturday School for Gifted and Talented Students. I was blessed to move from the classroom to an administrative position with Gifted Program. Later, the name was changed to Academically Gifted Programs. 

I was blessed to find my Sole mate: Susan White-Watkins at Ambridge School where we both taught. God gave us a challenge of loving and sharing the lives of: Richard Clark, Rashaud Atu, Dr. Shalah Watkins-Bailey (Ro-Sako Bailey), and Sherroen Watkins. We continued God’s love with the Grandchildren: Alexys Elysse Watkins, Josiah Phillip Bailey, and Jazmine Simone Bailey.

I was truly blessed to be able to share my love for learning with students and co-workers and after forty-five years in education, I retired. 

Retirement affords blessings of assisting with the grandchildren, working on the Men’s club, Ushers, and the Soup Kitchen at SS. Monica & Luke Church, and the Ushers, Men’s Fellowship, and October Birthday Group at St. Timothy Community Church. We established the Ritchard A. and Susan Watkins Educational Fund to help students in Gary that need assistance to go to college. 

Only God can give you permission to rest! “Come unto me all that are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”