Mrs. DeElla Williams Watts, the daughter of the late Adeline & Willic Williams of Gary, MS, was born on December 29, 1930. She was the fifth child of fourteen children. Eleven siblings preceded her in death.

Mrs. Watts confessed her faith in Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, at an early age at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Cary, MS. She served as church secretary and played a pivotal role in ministry development and provided major contributions toward the construction of the new church building. She received her early education from Cary Elementary/High School in Cary, MS, and later received specialized accreditation from Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS. She was united in holy matrimony to Ivory "Ike" Watts (who preceded her in death) on April 3, 1948. To this union, five children were born: Ivory Harold Watts, Marion Joyce Word, Donald Earl Watts (who preceded her in death), Dwight Steven Watts, and Felicia LaShaun Wheatley. The couple also reared a grandson, as a son: Antonio Antoine Watts.

She worked thirty-two years in the South Delta School District in Rolling Fork, MS where she was a Resource Teacher and In-School Suspension (ISS) director. The students loved and respected Mrs. Watts who was a strict, but very fair disciplinarian.

After retiring from South Delta Elementary School, she relocated to Madison, MS to assist rearing two baby granddaughters. Leaving the Mississippi Delta and many life-long friendships was not an easy decision. After prayer and contemplation, she joined New Hope Baptist Church of Jackson, MS. pastored by Rev. Dr. Jerry Young. During her faithful, rewarding membership at New Hope, she participated in several ministries, including the Women's Missionary Union (WMU), Sunday School and Small Groups Bible Study. She was welcoming to everyone and made lasting friendships. She was known to bring plenty of energy to any room; to know her was to love her.

Mrs. Watts' life was devoted to those she loved. She was known for her kindness, compassion, and loyalty. Although considered "elderly" as well, she would often provide assistance and attention to friends in nursing facilities, bringing them food, clothing, or any other necessities. She made few exceptions to anyone in need. "She looked beyond their faults and saw their needs." Cooking was of paramount importance to her. She loved to bake her famous 7-UP pound cake and prepare her delicious chicken and dumplings! In her spare time, she enjoyed crossword puzzles. reading, gardening, travelling with her family, and shopping - which was evident by her chic, smart and elegant style.

Mrs. Watts, 94 years of age, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at St. Dominic Hospital, Jackson, MS, surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her children: Harold (Alberteen) of Chicago, IL, Joyce (Roscoe) of Ridgeland, MS, Dwight of Seattle, WA, Felicia (Kenneth) of Madison, MS, and Antonio "Tony" (Renata) of Hebron, KY; ten grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, seventeen great-great grandchildren; two siblings, Albert Williams and Erma Washington of Detroit, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Please have all floral arrangements for Mrs. DeElla Watts' service in the Jackson Metropolitan area sent to the location below:

Jackson Memorial Funeral Service
1000 Woodrow Wilson Ave.
Jackson, Mississippi 39213
601-969-9457