Fannie Pettie Watts was one of the co-founders of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She was a Life Member and held membership with Delta Alpha Zeta Chapter in Brooklyn, New York. She is credited with organizing Omicron Beta Chapter in Brooklyn.

Fannie Pettie was born in Perry, Georgia. She attended public schools in Savannah, Georgia and continued her formal training at Georgia State College. Later, she graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Post-graduated studies in social work and in housing have been pursued at New York University.

She was married to the late John G. Watts and was the mother of two sons. Professionally, Founder Fannie Pettie Watts was the Social Investigator for the Department of Social Service in Brooklyn and Director of the Cradle Roll division of Brooklyn's Nazarene Congregational Church.

Founder Fannie Pettie Watts' triumphant life ended in 1992.