Rhoda Joan Watts' Obituary
Rhoda Joan Watts passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025, in Booneville, MS. She was born on January 29, 1940, in Muskegon, Michigan to Harold and Rena (Vanderlaan) Dobben. On November 12, 1960, she married the love of her life, John Nathaniel Watts and they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage before John’s passing in 2019.
Rhoda worked as a secretary at MAISD for 15 years and retired in 2000 after her dedicated service. She and John were longtime members of Oakcrest Church of God, where they built their life around faith, building long lasting friendships with the members of their church. Together they raised three children: Anthony Watts of Muskegon, MI; Martin Watts of Booneville, MS; and the Late Tamela Jean Cunningham, of Norton Shores, MI who passed away one year ago on June 23, 2024. Tamela is survived by her devoted husband Gregory Cunningham.
After Tamela's passing, Rhoda moved to Mississippi to be close to her son, grandchildren, and great-grandsons. She attended Reaching Out Family Worship Center with her son and his family where her faith continued to be her anchor. Rhoda was a constant voice of love, always reminding her family how much they meant to her.
Rhoda Watts is preceded in death by her parents: Harold and Rena (Vanderlaan) Dobben, husband John Watts, her daughter Tamela Jean Cunningham, her brother David Dobben, her sister, Lois Morrison, her brother William Dobben, her sister Dorcas Miller, her brother Paul Dobben, and another brother Daniel Dobben.
She is survived in death by her sons Anthony (Charlotte) Watts of Muskegon MI and Martin (Dana) Watts, of Booneville MS; grandchildren: Stephanie Watts and Derek Watts, both of Booneville, MS and great-grandsons, Logan Martin Watts and Jordan Levi Nathaniel Watts also of Booneville MS, a very close nephew, Wayland Miller, and many other Nieces and Nephews.
VISITATION will be Friday, June 27, 2025, from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM at The Lee Chapel, 6291 Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI. 49442 with a FUNERAL SERVICE at 4:00 PM. Following the service friends and family are welcomed for a LUNCHEON at Oak Crest Church of God, 1540 Leonard Ave. Muskegon, MI. 49442.
Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook and share memories at https://sytsemafh.com
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