Services for Winifred “Winnie” Bates Watts, of Morton, are 11a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 at Springfield Baptist Church in Mortonwith burial in the church cemetery.

Visitation is today from 5 until 8 p.m. at Ott & Lee FuneralHome in Morton.

Mrs. Watts, 74, died Sept. 25 at home as a result of cancer. Shewas born in Neshoba County.

Mrs. Watts was a retired schoolteacher who had lived in Mortonthe last 17 years. She was a graduate of Forest Dale High School,East Mississippi Junior College and the University of SouthernMississippi. She taught school for more than 30 years – primarilyEnglish – and served as a school librarian. She taught at many highschools in several states: in Mississippi, Washington, Roxie,Runnelstown, Brookhaven, Greenville, West Lauderdale, West Lincolnand Pelahatchie; in Louisiana, Chalmette and Rayville; and inHawaii, Honolulu.

Being both a minister’s wife and schoolteacher, Mrs. Watts’ lifewas lived doing for others. One of her favorite activities wasfilming special events for her students and church members andpresenting them the videos. She enjoyed attending meetings andevents of the Rankin County Retired Teachers Association, allowingher to stay connected to those with whom she had worked and sharedso many experiences.

Preceding her in death was her husband, the Rev. James E.Watts.

Survivors are her sons and their wives, Don and Estelle Watts,of Pearl, and David and Shelia Watts, of Morton; sisters ClodeanBurch and Evelyn George, of Philadelphia, Miss., and Sue Roark, ofOxford; brother Argus Bates, of Philadelphia; four grandchildren,Amy and Eric Watts, of Pearl, Alex Watts and wife, Brandi, ofMorton, and Jeremy Watts, of Morton; great-grandchild Cassi Watts,of Morton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family expresses its gratitude to the staff of CameliaHospice, especially Melodie Cox, R.N. and Janet Rias, C.N.A. fortheir help and support during Winnie’s illness.

Officiating Mrs. Watts’ service will be nephew Joel Henderson,retired minister and friend Holmes Carlisle and Springfield BaptistChurch pastor Frank Lay. Pallbearers are Kirby Pickering, DannyWade, Darrel Bates, John Henderson, Joe McCullough and MikeManning. Honorary pallbearers are Truman Manning, Hamp Pierce, TedPeagler, Bill Dickson, Carl Woolery and Joe Merchant.