Person Page - 107

     Doris Elliot WATTS, daughter of John Cleveland WATTS and Mae Leah STEWART, was born on 4 September 1925 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹

Doris Elliot WATTS died on 10 June 1929 in Brent, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 3.^1,2

     Minnie Vivian SKINNER, daughter of Jesse Carey SKINNER and India Ellen WATTS, was born on 8 March 1924 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹

Minnie Vivian SKINNER died in 1980 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.¹

     Jesse Carey SKINNER, son of Jesse Carey SKINNER and India Ellen WATTS, was born on 23 May 1925 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹

Jesse Carey SKINNER died before 2008.

     Lillian Juanita SKINNER, daughter of Jesse Carey SKINNER and India Ellen WATTS, was born on 11 April 1927 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹

Lillian Juanita SKINNER died on 11 September 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, at age 81.² She was buried in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park, Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

Lillian's obituary was printed on 13 September 2008 in the The Tuscaloosa News newspaper, published in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It said: "Lillian Juanita Skinner Bice, age 81, of Tuscaloosa, died Sept. 11, 2008, at Hospice of West Alabama. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Trinity United Methodist Church with Wade Griffith officiating. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Sam Bice, of Tuscaloosa, her daughter, Wanda Bice Hayslip, her sister, Vivian Skinner Lewis, of Tuscaloosa, her brother, Jesse Carey Skinner, and her parents, Jesse and India Skinner.

Survivors include her daughter, Marion Bice Reed; her sons-in-law, J. Thomas Reed and Chris Hayslip; and her grandchildren, Sarah Vivian Reed and Emily Bice Reed.

Honoriary pallbearers are her beloved nephews, 4th floor staff DCH Long Term Care Unit South, her sitters and home health care nurses, and Heritage Health Care Center staff.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Trinity United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa."²

     Essie Ray Kornegay was born on 10 November 1908 in Bibb County, Alabama.

Essie married Crathon Levert WATTS, son of Charlie McCoy WATTS and Martha Jane KINNARD, on 10 November 1929 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. With W. L. Pratt, J. P. officiating. The license was filed 9 November 1929.^2,1

Essie Ray Kornegay and Crathon Levert WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 17 April 1930 in River Bend, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Crathon Watts, 22-year-old laborer in a lumber mill, and his 21-year-old bride, Ray. They were renting their home, which had a value at the time of $2. RiverBend was located about 2 miles south of West Blocton on Hwy. 5.³

Essie Ray Kornegay and Crathon Levert WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 24 April 1940 in James, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as C. L. Watts, 32 year old foreman in a lumber mill. He a 5th grade elementary education. His wife, E. Ray [Essie], was 31 and had an 8th grade education. Their children were: L. J., 8, George, 6, Mildred, 4, and William, 1. They lived on Highway 5. In 1935 they had been living in Jefferson county.

Essie Ray Kornegay died in August 1979 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 70.⁴

     Levert Thomas WATTS, son of Crathon Levert WATTS and Essie Ray Kornegay, was born on 18 June 1931 in Bibb County, Alabama.

Levert Thomas WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 24 April 1940, in the household of his parents Crathon Levert WATTS and Essie Ray Kornegay in James, Bibb County, Alabama. L. J. was 8.

Levert saw military service as a master sergeant in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Levert Thomas WATTS died on 13 September 1992 in Bibb County, Alabama, at age 61.¹ He was buried in Pineland Memorial Park, Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama.

     Mildred Delia WATTS, daughter of Crathon Levert WATTS and Essie Ray Kornegay, was born on 7 August 1935.¹

Mildred Delia WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 24 April 1940, in the household of her parents Crathon Levert WATTS and Essie Ray Kornegay in James, Bibb County, Alabama. Mildred was 4 years old. Mildred was employed by Brent Banking Company in December 1956 in Brent, Bibb County, Alabama.

Mildred Delia WATTS died on 18 April 2018 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 82.

Her obituary appeared 19 April 2018 in the dignitymemorial.com (Rocko Funeral Home), published in Centreville, Alabama. Mildred Watts Randolph, age 82, Centreville, AL entered into rest at her residence. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Myers(Stewart) of Maylene; son, Jeff Randolph(Dawn) of Centreville; sister, Carolyn Johnson of Centreville; brother, Earl Watts(Ruth) of Centreville; grandchild, Cole Myers and a host of other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Crathon and Ray Watts; 4 brothers. PALLBEARERS: Matt Watts, Drew Watts, Tony Randolph, Tom Watts, Dale Watts, Heath Johnson, Past and Present Employees at US Bank, Honorary, Dr. Barry McLean and Staff, Honorary, Dr. Juan Bernar, Honorary, 7th Floor Nurses Staff at Grandview, Honorary.

     George Etheridge WATTS, son of Crathon Levert WATTS and Essie Ray Kornegay, was born on 27 May 1933 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹ His occupation was saw milling.

George Etheridge WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 24 April 1940, in the household of his parents Crathon Levert WATTS and Essie Ray Kornegay in James, Bibb County, Alabama. George was 6 years old.

George saw military service between 1950 and 1953 as a staff officer 3 (SO3) in the US Army during the Korean War.²

George married Sara Joyce Kornegay on 26 August 1956 at Pleasant Hill Church in Centreville, Alabama. She was an office clerk, and the daughter of Stanley and Ruby Murphy Kornegay.¹

George Etheridge WATTS died on 3 September 2003 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 70.^3,2 He was buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama.

     James William WATTS, son of Crathon Levert WATTS and Essie Ray Kornegay, was born on 9 April 1939 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

James William WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 24 April 1940, in the household of his parents Crathon Levert WATTS and Essie Ray Kornegay in James, Bibb County, Alabama. William was one year old. He was buried in Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery, Hagler, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

James William WATTS died on 2 November 2017 in Duncanville, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 78.¹

His obituary appeared 4 November 2017 in the The Tuscaloosa News, published in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. DUNCANVILLE - James William Watts, age 78, of Duncanville, Ala., passed away November 2, 2017 at home. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday, November 6, 2017, at Liberty Baptist Church with Bro. Mitch Grissett and Josh Garner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in the Legacy Room from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, November 5, 2017. The body will lie in state from one hour prior to services at the church. Survivors include wife, Yvonne Watts; sons, Dale Watts (Debbie) of Brent, Eddie Watts and Cory Watts; daughter, Ginger Huffman (Devin) of Duncanville; grandchildren, Ava and Beau Huffman and Josh and Jake Garner; sisters, Mildred Randolph and Carolyn Johnson; and brother, Earl Watts (Ruth). Pallbearers will be his nephews. Honorary pallbearers are friends and neighbors of the Hagler community, Hagler Volunteer Fire Department, Journey Hospice Home Health and Dr. John S. Warren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Liberty Baptist Church or the Hagler Volunteer Fire Department.

     Earl M. WATTS, son of Crathon Levert WATTS and Essie Ray Kornegay, was born on 19 November 1942 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

As of between 1995 and 2002, Earl M. WATTS was living in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama.

Earl M. WATTS died after 2017.

     Jerry Daniel WATTS, son of Crathon Levert WATTS and Essie Ray Kornegay, was born on 3 May 1943 in Bibb County, Alabama.

Jerry Daniel WATTS died on 21 February 2003 in Bibb County, Alabama, at age 59.¹ He was buried in Pineland Memorial Park, Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama.

     Carolyn WATTS, daughter of Crathon Levert WATTS and Essie Ray Kornegay, was born after 1940 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

Carolyn WATTS died after 2017.

     Nell Louise Gray was born on 10 May 1918 in Red Eagle, Bibb County, Alabama.² She was also known as Nellie.

Nell married John Pascal WATTS, son of Charlie McCoy WATTS and Martha Jane KINNARD, on 28 December 1938 in Brent, Bibb County, Alabama. They married at the home of Rev. J. W. Mitchell, who performed the service. Nellie's parents were Frank and Carrie Woods Gray. At the time of his marriage, Pascal's residence was given as Cleveland, Texas and his occupation was mill worker.³

Nell Louise Gray died on 1 January 1999 in Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama, at age 80.⁴

     Vera Mae Latham was born on 27 February 1909.¹

Vera married Charley Cecil WATTS, son of Charlie McCoy WATTS and Martha Jane KINNARD, circa 1936. They later divorced.

Vera Mae Latham and Charley Cecil WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 4 May 1940 in Precinct 4, Belcher's Camp, Jefferson County, Alabama. The household was listed as Cecil C. Watts, 24-year-old blacker in a saw mill, and Vera Mae Watts, 20, his wife. They each had only a 6th grade education. They resided on Nancy Ann Bend Road. In 1935 they had ived in rural Bibb county.

Vera Mae Latham died on 5 March 1996 in Gardendale, Jefferson County, Alabama, at age 87.¹

     Christine Carter was born on 28 June 1925.

Christine married Charley Cecil WATTS, son of Charlie McCoy WATTS and Martha Jane KINNARD, circa 1946.

On 24 June 1956 Christine died in Bibb County, Alabama, at age 30 from drowning leaving Charley Cecil a widower.¹ She was buried in Scottsville Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.

Her obituary appeared 28 June 1956 in the Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Funeral Service Held Wednesday for Mrs. Cecil Watts -- Funeral services for Mrs. Cecil (Christine) Watts, 31, who was drowned about 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon while wading with her husband in the Cahaba River about six miles north of Centreville were held Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock at the Scottsville Baptist Church. Burial was in Scottsville Cemetery.

The water in which the couple was wading was shallow but rapid. Mrs. Watts either slipped or became frightened and grabbed her husband causing both of them to fall into the swift current. The current carried them both down stream for about 200 yards when Mrs. Watts' body became entangled in some debris and Mr. Watts was able to break her hold on him and pull himself to safety. Mr. Watts dived into the water several times to attempt to save his wife but here body had worked loose from the debris and his attempts to save her were futile. Mrs. Watts could not swim.

The Watts' four small children and Mr. and Mrs. Gray with their children were at the river with the couple but were on the bank when the tragic accident happened.

Mrs. Watts' body was recovered after about eight hours of rescue work by Sheriff's officers, volunteers and two Navy divers from Tuscaloosa, about 75 yards from the place Mr. Watts managed to pull herself to safety. It is reported her body was found by a Mr. Perry from West Blocton.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Watts is survived by four small sons: William 12, Robert 7, Larry 5, and Wayne 3. She was the daughter of Mr. Gordon Carter of Centreville.

Collins Funeral Directors of Centreville were in charge of the burial.

     Clyde Wayne WATTS, son of Charley Cecil WATTS and Vera Mae Latham, was born on 6 September 1938 in Bibb County, Alabama.

Clyde Wayne WATTS died on 27 January 1990 in Bibb County, Alabama, at age 51.¹ He was buried in Little Hope Cemetery, Harmon, Bibb County, Alabama.

     George Van WATTS, son of Van Buren WATTS and Thelma Lee MORSE, was born on 1 August 1960.¹ He was also known as GW. He was chief heavy equipment mechanic for Varner Burt and Sons Lumber Mill, also known as KyKenKee in 2004 in Vance, Bibb County, Alabama. Varner Burt called him one of the best mechanics around, a smart man who could fix just about any type of vehicle.

George Van WATTS died on 24 November 2016 in Vance, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 56.

His obituary appeared 25 November 2016 in the Birmingham News, published in Birmingham, Alabama. GW is survived by his mother, Thelma Watts; brothers, Walter Watts(Kathy) and Doyle Watts(Angela); nieces, Jurnee Watts and Chelsey Stevenson; nephews, Koty Watts(Kayla) and Corey Lawley; great niece, Paisley Watts and great nephew, Brennan Watts; special aunt Dorothy Cooley and uncle Wesley Cooley; special friends, Cat Daddy, Bill Davis, Eric Green, Brian Lemley; Gene & Sandra McKinney; and a host of other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Van Watts and infant brother, Samuel Watts.² He was buried in Kinard Cemetery, West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama.

     Doyle WATTS, son of Van Buren WATTS and Thelma Lee MORSE, was born on 27 April 1966 in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama.

Doyle WATTS died on 16 April 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama, at age 50.

His obituary appeared 16 April 2017 online at dignitymemorial.com (Rocko Funeral Home), published in Centreville, Alabama. In Memory of Doyle Watts (April 27, 1966 - April 14, 2017). Doyle Watts entered into rest at Baptist Medical Princeton. He is survived by his wife, Angela Watts; sons, Koty Watts(Kayla) and Corey Lawley; daughter, Jurnee Watts(Cody); grandchildlren, Brennan Watts and Paisley Watts; mother, Thelma Watts; brother, Walter Watts(Kathy); niece, Chelsey Stevenson. He is preceded in death by his dad, Van Watts; brother, George Watts and infant brother, Samuel. He was buried in Hebron Cemetery, West Blocton, Alabama.

     Samuel WATTS died before 2022.