Annie Mae Whitesides Watkns was born on July 11, 1950 to James and Azalee Whitesides of Forest City, NC. Annie Mae joined Oak Grove Baptist Church at an early age, and served on the Missionary Society and other auxiliaries. She was a faithful member.

Annie was a  homemaker, yet a very dedicated business person. She was a member of the Craver Class of 1968 and a North Carolina Notary. She was the former manager of Music City and Music Fever. Annie owned Annie's Flowers and Balloons.

Annie married Perry Lee Watkins also of Forest City, NC, and gave birth to three children. Two sons, Perry T. Watkins  and James R. Watkins, and one daughter, Tamara Watkins.

The Anne Mae Watkins Foundation was created in memory of my mother who was a respected business leader in Forest City, North Carolina her entire life. She gave generously to help those in need and filled the absence of parental love and support in the lives that she touched. The foundation is a 501C-3 charitable organization in which my siblings and I are able to continue the example our mother laid for us as small children.   Proceeds collected will benefit our scholarships program