February 7, 1952 - April 5, 2016

Joseph Christopher Watts, Sr. was born February 7, 1952, to the union of Dudley Cole Watts, Sr. and Thelma White Watts, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He grew up in Abita Springs, Louisiana.  He attended Abita Elementary School and graduated from Pine View High School where he was a member of the band.  He attended New Hope Baptist Church.  Later he moved to Los Angeles, California where he had his own dry cleaning business. Joseph moved back to Louisiana in 2008 and was residing in DeRidder at the time of his death.  He worked in the dry cleaning business at Service Cleaners and was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church. Joseph was a very caring person and loved people.  He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and visiting family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dudley Cole Watts, Sr. and Thelma White Watts; one brother, Dudley Cole Watts, Jr. and three sisters, Melvina Myers, Barbra Badon and Georgia Raney.

He leaves to cherish his memories: one son, Joseph Christopher Watts Jr.; one daughter, Shadonna Weeks; two grandchildren, Knoble Watts and Justice Watts; two brothers, Rev. Toye (Lynda) Watts of DeRidder, LA and Rev. Leonard (Augustine) Watts, Sr. of Lumberton, MS; seven sisters, Delorse Buckley of DeRidder, LA, Gabriella Prim of Hammond, LA, Christine (Tommie) White of Sulphur, LA, Marcia Watts of Abita Springs, LA, Amelia Watts of Covington, LA, Gwendolyne (Rev. Donald) Chavis of Moss Bluff, LA and Terry Richardson of Clarksville, TN; Special friends, Galo Tugaga and Pete Mirante.  A host of relatives and friends.

Visitation and funeral service will be held Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in DeRidder.  Visitation will begin at 10:00am until time of service at 4:00pm.  Rev. Jackie McLain will officiate.