Margaret Ann Watley, 93, of New Haven, passed away March 2, 2019.
She was born Oct. 19, 1925, in Watertown, Tenn. to the late Willie and Walsie Seay. She received her education in the Nashville Public School System, a bachelor of science from Tennessee State University and a master of arts from the Teachers’ College at Columbia University in New York City. She also did graduate work at Yale University and Southern Connecticut State University.
Margaret Ann was employed by Mississippi schools before coming to Connecticut and becoming one of the first teachers of color. She taught kindergarten in the New Haven schools at Wexler/Winchester schools for 30 years before retiring.
Known as “auntie” and “Ms. Watley” to many, she was a noble sister, aunt, and mentor to many, and will be greatly missed by all. Margaret loved to read, travel, and loved to be with her family.
Margaret is survived by her sister, Catherine Moore; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Willie D. Seay; sisters, MaeLillian Patterson, Virginia Seay, and Dorothy Brown.
A celebration of her life will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church, 425 Newhall St, Hamden, CT 06517. Friends may call Monday at the church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Elm City Adult Club, NANBPWC, INC. P.O. Box 3673, Woodbridge, CT 06525, Attn: Margaret S. Watley Scholarship Fund.
Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Watley family, please
visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com.