Judith Marie Watts

Life Reflection

Judith (Judy) Marie Watts was born May 06, 1940 in Saint Louis, Missouri to the late Beatrice (Mama Bea) and Robert Lee Morris at Homer O. Phillips Hospital. Her brother, Stanley Watts and sister, Joyce Hopkins preceded her in death. God called her home while at DePaul Hospital on December 28, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Judy was educated in the St. Louis Public School System. She attended Dunbar Elementary School and Sumner High School with Tina Turner and graduated from Soldan High School. She furthered her educational studies at Harris Teachers' College, now known as Harris Stowe University.

Judy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and joined the Jamison Memorial CME Church in St. Louis, MO.

Judy loved and cherished her family. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, the Soap Opera Digest -Mrs. Chancellor and Victor Newman of The Young and The Restless were her favorites!!! As well as reading, traveling, crocheting and fishing. Her passion was singing and she did it well. Her favorite song was "The Clock" by Johnny Ace.

Judy worked at the Division of Family Services for 35 years until her retirement. She began as a caseworker and rose to caseworker Supervisor. She was recognized as a leader in her building and became the "go to" person for information. When-ever Judy stopped to talk with someone, she would ask that famous St. Louis question "What high school did you graduate from?" She consistently and without fail, and in proud admonition announced that she went to Sumner High School and that there were only three (3) schools that Black students could attend. Washington Tech, Vashon and Soldan.

Judy had a great love for the Masonic Fraternal Organization. She was initiated into the Order of Eastern Star, RH Cole Chapter #82; a member of Lillian C. Gasway Chapter #123-Past Worthy Matron. She was also initiated into the Order of Cyrene, Queen Sara Court #35-Past Royal Commandress; Medinah Court #15 Daughters and San with the Chantresses and worked on Arts and Crafts committees.

Judy's legacy and memories will always be cherished by her devoted daughter, Frederica; two (2) sons, Charles and Leric; one sister, Eileen; and one brother, Frederick; five (5) grandchildren, seven (7) great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.