In Loving Memory

Bettye Jean Emmanuel Watts

April 20, 1941 — April 10, 2026

Bettye Jean Emmanuel Watts was born on April 20, 1941, in Rowland, North Carolina. Bettye was the cherished daughter of Isabelle McNeil Thompson and James Alford. She departed her earthly being on April 10, 2026, in Charlotte, NC. She was predeceased by her former husband, James Watts, whom she met in Queens, New York, and together, they raised five children and two grandsons. Also proceeding her to eternity were two sons, James Watts, Jr. and Kenny Watts, along with a special friend, Lawrence McGill. A beacon of education and ambition, Bettye graduated from Rosenwald High School at the top of her class before earning a degree from New York University. (If you knew her well, you know the story). She forged a commendable career as an accounts payable clerk in New York City and later embraced a fulfilling role as a textile weaver at J.P. Stevens, from where she retired. Her work ethic and dedication were admired by colleagues and friends alike. Bettye's life was also enriched by the simple joys she found in her hobbies. She had a passion for bingo, which she played with the competitive spirit of a seasoned expert. Her outdoor gazebo was her sanctuary; surrounded by her lovely garden and beautiful flowers, mirroring her nurturing soul and love for life. A devoted mother, she is survived by her children: Sheila Watts, Carol Watts (John), and Herbert Watts (Latonya). Her legacy of love and kindness lives on in her seven grandchildren: Shamontreal Watts (Jessica), Dontreal Watts, Shenita Jones (Zachary), Andrea Surratt (Tyrece), and Quinton Watts, as well her eleven great-grandchildren: Tanizja Brown, Cameron Watts, Markell Dawson, Makaylah Watts, Trinity Jones, Kaylen Sylvester, Serenity Jones, Kenny Sylvester, Aleyia Surratt, Zachary Jones III, and Aniyiah Surratt. Her legacy extends to her three great-great-grandsons: Carter Watts, Khalil Watts, and Camden Watts, each a testament to her enduring spirit. Her life was also blessed with the companionship of her special friend, Lloyd Kent Mitchell, and the love of countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives she touched with her gentle wisdom and unfaltering generosity.

Funeral Program

Service Details

April 21, 202614:00

Hills Memorial Chapel

Order of Service

PresidingPastor Ellion McQueen (Laurinburg Christian Fellowship Church)

Processional

SoloMary McGirt Smith

Scripture Reading

Old TestamentApostle Dr. Brenda Fairley-Ferebee

Ecclesiastes 31-4

New TestamentYolanda Purcell

John 141-6

Prayer of ComfortWarren Purcell

A Letter To A Strong WomanTory Purcell

Remarks--Sallie Alston

(others who feel led are welcome, 2 minutes or less, please)

Reading of the Obituary & AcknowledgementsKizzy Thompson

SoloTerice Brown

EulogyPastor Ellion McQueen

Closing PrayerPastor Ellion McQueen

Recessional

A Letter to A Strong Woman

Ms. Bettye, You will never know how much you meant to me. You have no idea how I loved to hear the stories of New York University and how I wish I could've turned the clock back to give you the title of valedictorian of your senior class, like you earned. You will never know how much I loved your potato salad, and how I treasured the time spent talking in the gazebo. You have no clue of how proud I was of your story, and how, regardless of what you had been through, you stayed proud and held your head high. I'm sure you don't know that I was so grateful for the times that I would call to get plant growing tips, and no matter how slow I acted, you would repeat the steps with such patience and grace. You probably never knew how grateful I was that you played both our cards that time at bingo because I couldn't keep up with the numbers. You will also never know how many times I was reminded by your grandson of how Grandma cooked breakfast every morning, washed clothes, and cleaned before 12 pm, or how much I admired the love between you and Toogie, (or your baby) as you could say. He was your baby first, lol. So, take your rest, you earned it. No more suffering. This is not goodbye but see you later. Love, Jessica (No one could say my name like you)

Special Thanks

The Watts family extends their deepest gratitude to all who have shared in Bettye's journey, expressing heartfelt thanks to family, friends, and the dedicated staff who have provided support during this difficult time. As we honor Bettye, let us remember her with a smile, as she would've wanted, cherishing the beautiful memories she leaves behind- a legacy of love, laughter, and the gentle reminder to always grow where we are planted.