Bettye Jean watts Emmanuel

It is with profound sadness and gentle acceptance that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Bettye Jean Watts Emmanuel, who departed this earthly life on April 10, 2026, just shy of her 85th birthday. Born on April 20, 1941, in the welcoming arms of Rowland, North Carolina, Bettye's life was a testament to love, resilience, and quiet strength. Bettye was the cherished daughter of Isabelle McNeil Thompson and James Alford. She was predeceased by her loving husband, James Watts, whom she met in Queens, New York, and shared a life of partnership, respect, and unwavering devotion. Together, they nurtured a family characterized by warmth and unity, though they faced the heart-wrenching loss of their sons, Kenny Watts and James Watts Jr. Bettye now joins them in eternal peace. A beacon of education and ambition, Bettye graduated from Rosewald High School before earning a degree from New York University. 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, where she eventually retired. Her work ethic and dedication were admired by colleagues and friends alike. Bettye's life was enriched not only by her career but also by the simple joys she found in her hobbies. She had a penchant for bingo, which she played with the competitive spirit of a seasoned enthusiast. Her garden was her sanctuary; a vibrant tapestry of flowers that mirrored her nurturing soul and love for life. A devoted mother, she is survived by her children: Herbert Watts (Latonya), Sheila Watts, and Carol Watts. Her legacy of love and kindness lives on in her seven grandchildren: Shomontreall Watts (Jessica), Dontreal Watts, Shenita Watts Jones (Zachary Jones), Andrea Surratt's spouse, Quinton Watts, and her nine great-grandchildren: Tanizja Brown, Cameron Watts, Makaylah Watts, Markell Dawson, Trinity Jones, Serenity Jones, and Zachary Jones. Her line extends to her great-great-grandchildren: Mazi, Carter, Camden, Aleyia Surratt, and Aniyiah Surratt, each a testament to her enduring spirit. Her life was also blessed with the companionship of her special friend, Kent Mitchell, and the love of countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives she touched with her gentle wisdom and unfaltering generosity. A celebration of Bettye's life will be held on April 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at Hills Funeral, located at 302 North Main Street, Fairmont, 28340. The 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 have wanted, cherishing the beautiful memories she leaves behind—a legacy of love, laughter, and the gentle reminder to always grow where we are planted.