Marie Watts

Marie Howell Watts, 97, lifelong resident of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away Saturday morning at her home. She was the daughter of James Andrew Howell and Lula Mae Dixon Howell. She was predeceased by her son Hoyle A. Watts, her beloved companion, Frank N. Bell, Jr, and her siblings William Thomas Howell, Jewell Othello Howell Still, and Viola Howell Lemons. She is survived by her son, Larry H. Watts and his wife, Linda, who reside in Greenville, South Carolina. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Amy Marie Watts, of Athens, Georgia, and her grandson, Keith Watts and his wife, Melissa, of Chapel Hill, Tennessee. Marie leaves as well, her nieces, (to whom she was known as "Aunt Ree") Sarah Howell Wagner, Judith Anne Still, Martha Howell Hancock, Beverly Lemons Harding, Catheryne N. Blocker, and Catherine Ella Self. She also will be missed by her basketball fan buddy, James (Jim) Wagner, husband to niece Sarah. She was fiercely independent, choosing to live in her own home, preparing her own meals, and taking care of herself. She completed eighth grade at Big Spring Elementary school where she was a member of the girls' basketball team. She was an accomplished seamstress, who at one time was employed by American Uniform Co. She was devoted to her family and very proud of their accomplishments. Marie's birthday was on Halloween, so she and her son, Hoyle, had a great time entertaining friends, family, and the neighborhood with elaborate parties and decorations. She would prepare little bags of goodies, decorated and personalized for each child. Marie's father was a founding member of Big Spring United Methodist Church, and she was a lifelong member of the congregation. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2014 in the chapel of Fike Funeral Home with Pastor Janet Geitner officiating. Interment will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 25 at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. Her family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., March 24, 2014 prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Big Spring United Methodist Church, 1196 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311. The family wishes to thank the stylists at Martins' Hair Fashions where Mrs. Watts loved to visit. They would also like to thank Caring Senior Services of Chattanooga who helped Mrs. Watts with her daily chores for the last several years. We invite you to send a message of comfort and view the Watts family guestbook at www.fikefh.com.