Cornelia Antoinette Sparks, the first daughter and second child of the late Deacon Jessie Sparks and Marie Allen Sparks, was born on December 2, 1937 in McDonough, Georgia.
A fifth-generation member, Cornelia joined Springfield Baptist Church at the age of 11. Along with her father’s help and guidance, the two organized the first official choir at Springfield and she became the church secretary at the age of 14 until she graduated from high school.
Cornelia matriculated in the Henry County School System, winning several awards and accolades for her soprano voice and graduated from Henry County Training School on May 28, 1954 at the age of 16. It was that beautiful soprano voice that afforded her to be accepted to Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on September 17, 1954 and receive a scholarship to sing in their choir. While enrolled at Stillman, Cousin Snook, as she was affectionately called by family members, focused her studies on music and culinary arts and became the first freshman to ever join the senior choir. Cousin Snook’s singing allowed her to travel with the college choir and visit other colleges and universities in which Negros weren’t allowed to attend unless they sang in the choir.
Continuing in the spirit of celebration and new beginnings, Cornelia met her soulmate, the late Lewis Edgar Watkins, Sr. on March 15, 1954 after returning to her home state from college by way of his cousin and friend. After a brief courtship, the two were united in holy matrimony on July 17, 1955 at the new bride’s home church. Shortly after, the proud, new Mr. and Mrs. Lewis E. Watkins, Sr. moved to the big city of Atlanta, Georgia. It was in Atlanta that Lewis Sr. and Cornelia made a home and raised their three children.
Always a servant, Cornelia volunteered at Rocky Mount Baptist Church in Rex, Georgia under the leadership of one of her dearest and oldest friend and classmate, Reverend James Miller. Transferring her church membership, Cornelia joined her husband’s home church, Towaliga County Line Baptist Church in Jackson, Georgia, where she helped to organize a youth choir and served in various roles for more than 20 years. Moving closer to home for health reasons, Gee as she was also called, transferred her membership to Unity of Faith Church under the late Pastor Bradford McWhorter and beloved Reverend Ralph Starks. It was at Unity of Faith that Gee was bestowed the title of Mother Cornelia Watkins (she even had an office at the church) and became the first president of the Mothers’ Board.
Cornelia held various jobs throughout her career from working at Lane Bryant and being one of the first Black women to work in the company’s stores, employment at Owens Illinois, to Clayton State University, from where she retired in 1998. After retirement, Gee and her late sister Latrell Sparks Tanner embarked on a short career in catering, opening Sisters Catering. Gee continued her love for culinary arts by working in the cafeterias of various schools throughout Henry County School System with her late cousin Shirleyann Tarpley. Loving, kind and hospitable, Gee opened her home and
kitchen to dozens of people throughout her life, offering a plate to one who was hungry and pans of food for those in need during times of grief. If she knew you, you were always welcome to stop by her house for a slice of cake, a whole meal or to get the neighborhood “tea.” Gee never met a stranger and made you feel at home in her presence. Cornelia was the peoples’ servant, volunteering and serving others in many capacities. She enjoyed cooking, shopping, going to the casino, thrifting and finding antiques at estate sales.
In her later years even as she faced health challenges and her culinary skills slowed down, Gee continued this gift called life with joy and laughter. Although not as mobile as she had been in previous years and sometimes unable to attend various functions, Mother Watkins would mail a card, write a letter enclosed with a token of love or leave a voicemail in times of rejoicing or times of mourning. She could be heard saying “Don’t give up on God ‘cause He’s not through yet!”
Cornelia Antoinette Sparks Watkins serenely crossed over into eternal rest on Thanksgiving Day 2025 surrounded by her children, five days prior to what would have been her 88th time around the sun on God’s green earth. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lewis Sr.; brothers RL Sparks, Jessie Sparks, Jr. and Willie Lee Smith and sister Latrell Sparks Tanner. To continue her legacy in life, she leaves her daughter Linda Watkins Carter of Covington, GA; daughter Cheryl Watkins-Knowles (Richard) of Columbia, SC; son Lewis E. “Poo-Poo” Watkins, Jr. (Thomara) of Atlanta, GA; grandsons Tarius (Chrisonda) and Adrian Carter of Covington, GA; granddaughters Kia Watkins and Laketris Johnson (Ray) of Covington, GA; Stephanie Moore (Conway) of Fitzgerald, GA; Melita Stancil, PhD of New York, NY; Khadijah Watkins, MD of Boston, MA; Harper and Hembree Watkins of Atlanta, GA and younger sister MaryAnn McBride of Stockbridge, GA; three sisters- in-law: Fannie Barron, Lurlyne Williams and Calgene Clark all of Atlanta, GA. Gee’s legacy extends with 13 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren, a host of adored nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.
Whether you called her Mama, Auntie, Gee, Cousin Snook, Grandma Gee, Mrs. Watkins or even Cornelius as some pronounced her name, or if she asked you to “Let me taste a lil’ piece of that,” requested clarification by asking “Say what now?” or ended the conversation with “Thank you for calling,” she will be missed by all of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. May her soul find eternal peace and may her memory forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to those whose lives
Reverend Joel Stokes, Officiating Pastor
Pastor Michael Anderson, Eulogist
Prelude “Walk in the Light”
Processional
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
New Testament
Prayer
Clergy, Family & Friends
Reverend James Miller
Reverend Joel Stokes
Reverend Ralph Starks
Song “The Other Shore”
Special Remarks
Deacon Judge Collier
Reverend James Miller
Other esteemed guests
Reflections by Friends and Family (please limit to three minutes or less)
Song “The Blood Will Never Lose It’s Power”
Gee’s Final Letter
Eulogy
Acknowledgements
Benediction
Read by Dr. Melita T. Stancil
Reverend Michael Anderson
Mr. Lewis E. Watkins, Jr.
Recessional “I’ll Fly Away”
Postlude
Repast
Immediately follow the Recessional at the church
Interment
Jackson City Cemetery
485 W. College Drive Jackson, Georgia 30233
A precious one has gained her wings.
A voice we love is still.
A place is vacant in our hearts and homes that can never be filled. Our hearts ache with sadness. Our eyes will shed many tears.
Only God knows how much we will miss you in all the coming years.
Family and Friends Family and Friends
Our hearts have been made to rejoice during the passing and homegoing of our loved one by the many acts of kindness extended to our family. We are so grateful for your spiritual support. Along with prayers, all expressions of love and sympathy are appreciated. May God’s blessings of peace and love continue with you forever. A special thank you to the doctors and medical staff at Kaiser Permanente Southwood who cared for her for more than a decade, Piedmont Hospital Newton and Longleaf Hospice. May God’s blessings be upon each of you.
Willie A. Watkins Funeral
Home
Historic West End Chapel 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard Atlanta, Georgia 30310
404-758-1731
www.williewatkins.com
The K Effect, Print & Design, 678-732-5937