Rev, John E. Watts
97, Purvis
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Improve Baptist Church for Rev. John E. Watts, 97, of Purvis, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12. Burial followed in Improve Cemetery. Dr. Jerry Watts, Rev. Bill Wright, Rev. Darel Daniels and John David Watts officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at Colonial Funeral Home.
Born and reared in Marion County, he devoted his life to ministry as a Southern Baptist preacher. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Purvis and was known for his unwavering faith, warm spirit and deep love for his community.
Affectionally known as “Bro. John,” he was a man who truly loved people. He found joy in a good day of fishing, especially when the fish were biting, but his heart belonged to the deer woods, where he spent countless peaceful hours.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. John C. Watts and Louise Broom Watts of Improve; first wife, Doris R. Watts; sisters, Pearl Williams, Vera Mae Williams and Evelyn Wesley; and brothers, Calvin Watts and Lewis Watts.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Betty T. Watts of Purvis; daughters, Darlene Smith (Billy) of Covington, La., Wanda Sholar (Donald) of Purvis and Brenda Cosby (Gary) of Gainesville, Fla.; son, John David Watts (Wanda) of Pace, Fla.; brothers, Earl “Mutt” Watts and Winifred “Peck” Watts (Annabel); seven grandchildren, John Matthew Smith, Valarie S. Holder, Stephanie S. Kiefer, Karmen S. Locicero, Amanda M. Burford, Daniel E. Cosby and Hannah N. Watts; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and cherished friends.
Serving as pallbearers were his grandsons and great-grandsons, Matt Smith, Daniel Cosby, Jackson Smith, Andrew Holder, Kaleb Culotta, Rhett Burford, Jacob Gilly, Cameron Burford, Tyler Burford and Elja Locicero.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialfuneralhomes-ms.com for the Watts family. Arrangements were entrusted to Colonial Funeral Home.
