Betty Watts

Betty (Bea) Ann Snelson Watts was born April 12, 1943 in Worthington, Minnesota and died peacefully in her sleep, at the age of 73, on November 15, 2016. Bea graduated from Worthington High School in 1961. She married Wayne E. Watts on December 28, 1964 and spent the next 20 years traveling the country as a US Air Force wife. She and her family settled in Hillsborough, North Carolina in 1984 after military retirement. Bea loved reading, especially Agatha Christie mysteries, watching PBS shows, traveling, collecting cookbooks and trying out new recipes. For over 35 years she was an active elementary school volunteer focusing on literacy in her local community. For many years Bea was active in her church and loved participating in the Orange County Sportsplex's Water Walking program and Senior Center. She was a loving mother and an exceptional friend. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Wayne E. Watts; three daughters: Tierza R. Watts (Charlotte, NC), Marcia E. Watts (Graham, NC), and Jennifer H. Watts (Edinburgh, UK); granddaughter Courtney Ivey (Burlington, NC) and one great grandson, Jason. She is preceded in death by her parents, William W. Snelson and Elizabeth Grimmius Snelson, and her brother Dwayne Snelson. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Hillsborough United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends at the church after the service. Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Friends of the Jerry M. Passmore Senior Center, PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Walker's Funeral Home of Hillsborough is honored to serve the Watts family. Online condolences may be offered at www.walkersfuneralservice.com.