Lillie Blue (1905–1997)

Lillie Blue was born in Reidsville, North Carolina, in 1905 to Samuel Ferdinand and Edie Gravely Watkins. She graduated from Atlanta University in 1927 with a degree in mathematics and later earned a master’s from Teachers College, Columbia University. In 1926 she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated through the Alpha Beta chapter of Atlanta University and in 1929 she chartered the Alpha Lambda Omega Chapter in Charlotte.

Lillie taught mathematics at Second Ward High School, Reid High School in Belmont, and Johnson C. Smith University, where she served until retiring in 1973. She was a devoted member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon and in many ministries.

She married Henry Sherwood Blue, and together they raised a daughter, Edie. She was also blessed with a granddaughter, Nancy Cooper; extended family including Ada, Edith, Carolyn, and Edgar Cooper; three great-grandchildren; brothers Daniel and Henry Taylor and J.H. Cooper Jr.; nieces Gloria Johnson and Lila Watkins; and cousin Geneva Watkins.

Lillie passed away at her home in Charlotte on June 24, 1997, at the age of ninety-one. She was laid to rest at York Memorial Park. She is remembered with love for her dedication to teaching, her faith, and her family.