Life's journey for Gracie Marie Greathouse began November 29, 1933 in Tollette, AR when she was born to the union of the late James A. and Sammie Lee Greathouse. Although the family moved to Hot Springs, AR, she lived in Tollette with her grandmother, Annette Newton, until the age of 16.  Upon moving to Hot Springs, she joined Cottrell Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of Rev. H S. Coleman. She was a graduate of the Historic Langston High School Class of 1952, where she was a star basketball player. She worked for Worthen bank for 20+ years until she retired due to health reasons.  She enjoyed cooking for her family, gardening, and sports.  Gracie had a love for horses and owned four horses over a period of time. She was the first African American female horse owner to win a race at Oaklawn Race Track with her horse, Net Tune Circle.

She was married to William Clark Watkins on March 8, 1955 and to this union six children were born.

Those who have gone before her include her aforementioned parents; her son, Wallace Charles "Tree" Watkins; her siblings, Zesther Casey, James Greathouse, Cedell Briggs, Annette Mitchell, Glen Greathouse, and Arlinda Huff; her son-in-love, Paul Rose. She made a peaceful transition on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, in the comfort of her home.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of 64 years, William "Bill" Watkins of Hot Springs; son, William Errol (Susan) Watkins, daughters, Dirragh Rose, Janet Walker, and Anita (Billy) Robinson all of Hot Springs, and her son, Richard Watkins of Gary, IN.  Her sisters, Therie Wiggins of Hot Springs and Barbara Brown of Dolton, IL, brother-in-love, Ritchard (Susan) Watkins of Gary, IN, sisters-in-love, Helen Watkins and Rebecca (Darrell) Finney of Little Rock, 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Gracie Marie Watkins age 85, of Hot Springs passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2019. Visitation will be Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 4:00-6:00 PM at Cottrell Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 698 East Grand Ave.  Funeral servcie will be Monday, September 23, 2019 at 12:00 Noon at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church 497 Crescent Ave. The family will be at 200 Linwood Street. Guest registry is at http :///www.carriganmemorial.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.