Richetta Mae Pressey Watkins, age 97, of New Haven, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of her devoted family.
Born in New Haven on March 5, 1928, she was the cherished daughter of the late Corbin A. Pressey, Sr. and Mildred E. (Morris) Pressey.
A lifelong resident of New Haven, Richetta’s life was one of dedication, resilience, and deep familial love. Her greatest joy was found in her family, whom she supported, nurtured, and inspired across generations. She is lovingly survived by her son, Michael P. Watkins (Mikal Muhammad); treasured grandchildren, Michelle Y. Watkins and Gregory J. Watkins, II; nephew Corbin (Traci) A. Pressey, III; and nieces, Lisa Marie Pressey and Jacquelyn E. Pressey.
She also leaves behind four beloved great-grandchildren — Warren Ligon, Gregory Knotts-Watkins, Amani Knotts-Watkins, and Unique Nayla Watkins — as well as Yvonne Austin; great-nephew, Jayden D. Pressey; great-niece, Kayla E. Pressey; and a growing legacy of great-great-grandchildren. Her love extended beyond bloodlines to include her adopted family, the Tolsons, and Georgiana (Gena) Washington, along with a host of loving relatives and lifelong friends.
Richetta was preceded in death by her beloved children, Gregory Juan Watkins, Robert Watkins, and June Yvonne Watkins; beloved brother, Corbin Pressey, Jr.; as well as her precious great-granddaughter, Soraya Taira Knotts-Watkins; and special cousin, Lloyd Holmes.
A proud graduate of Commercial High School, Class of 1946, Richetta led a fulfilling and industrious career. She contributed her talents to Winchester Repeating Arms (Battery Department), Seamless Rubber Company, Sargent Manufacturing, Casio BPT, and Macy’s Department Store. She found her professional home at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where she worked for 32 years as a bookkeeper, operator, cashier, and census taker before retiring in 1993.
Even in retirement, Richetta remained active, working with the Community Action Agency of New Haven to support senior employment and later as a computer payroll clerk for George Clark’s Janitorial Service.
Richetta’s life was enriched by her faith and civic engagement. She was a dedicated member of the Knights of Peter Claver Auxiliary Court #266, the Ladies Guild of St. Martin de Porres Church, Eureka Chapter #2 Order of the Eastern Star, PHA, the Red Hat Society #42958 – Sassy Chicks, Pocahontas Temple #55, and the Daughters of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World.
Her life was a testament to strength, and the enduring power of family love. Richetta will be remembered for her unwavering faith, infectious laugh, gracious spirit, and the deep affection she held for each and every one of her family members.