Lucille Watts passed away peacefully at the age of ninety, on January 15, 2023 with her children by her side. She was born July 18, 1932, in Kingstree, South Carolina to the late Rev. Harry and Rosa Lee Woods. Lucille grew up in the heart of South Kingstree, South Carolina. Her memory was focused on how the family stayed together and made it through regardless of having to put her education, dreams, and ambitions on hold to work to help support the family due to trying times for African Americans.

She moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a young adult, later moving further north to Connecticut both working and connecting with family. She continued her faith-life through memberships at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, founded and pastored by her father Rev. Harry Woods; later continuing a membership at St. Matthews UFW Baptist Church for the last 45 years.

She met the love of her life Mr. Oliver Watts Sr. on a blind date arranged by her sister Sally and her husband. I guess this was equivalent to today’s “online dating”. Their marriage sealed the bond that kept a loving, stable, supportive home despite typical challenges and obstacles. Life was not always easy; however, Lucille faced the ups and downs along with her husband, Oliver Watts Sr. and Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She worked as a skilled seamstress and didn’t stop there but continued her education up to taking some college courses at Gateway Community College. Lucille exemplified all the characteristics of a virtuous woman outlined in Proverbs 31, verse 10. “Who can find a Virtuous Woman? For her price is far above rubies”. She was the quiet strength of the family. She lived by the words of the song” May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me”.

She is survived by daughters, Linda Spears, and Jacqueline Coleman, and Son Oliver Watts Jr. (Edie). Also Survived by siblings, Louise Anderson, Annie Ruth Cotton, and Veron Lacy; as well as her cherished grandchildren, Dr. Michael Spears, Kelly Spears, Teresa Smith (Barry), Candis Maebry (Matthew), and Kenny Donegan (Katie); nine great grandchildren, Myles Donegan, Dylan Donegan, Regan Donegan, Josiah Johnson, Alyse Johnson, Imani Mabery, Blake Spears, Sarah Spears and Romera Spears; and one great-great grandchild, Cody. She was also loved and cherished by a host of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.

She was predeceased by husband of 49 years, Oliver Watts Sr; daughter, Pamela Donegan; and siblings, Sally Simmons, John Nell Woods, Harry Lee Woods, Deloris Waddell, Clarence Woods, Andrew Woods, and Curtis Woods.

A celebration of Mrs. Watts’ life and legacy will be held Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven. The viewing will be held from 10:00-11:00 A.M. The burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park.