Rosemary Collins Watts

A Mass of Christian Burial for Rosemary Collins Watts will be held at 10:30 a.m.  Friday, November 17, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Atlantic Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana.  A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall in Shreveport, closing with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. An entombment will follow the service at Forest Park Cemetery, St. Vincent Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Father Karl Daigle.

Rosemary was born on August 13, 1934, and joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, November 11, 2023.  Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Walter Edwin Watts, Jr.; her son, Walter Edwin Watts, III; her parents, Robert and Katherine Collins; her sister, Lucile Greenleaf, and her infant granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Thomas.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Elizabeth Watts Thomas (Joel), James Michael Watts (Laura), Carroll Watts Neal (Jeff), and Catherine Watts Mitton (Mike); her brother, Robert “Bobby” Smith Collins (Catherine); daughter-in-law, Michele Hubbartt Watts; her grandchildren, Walter Edwin Watts, IV (Kristen), Ashley Watts DeLuca (John), Justin Sanders Watts, Brandon Thomas Madison (Clint), Kathryn Thomas Morrison (Beau), Elizabeth Thomas Drabinski (Dan) , Alice Watts Byington (Randy), Christopher Michael Watts, Bridget Watts Whittington (George), Eloise Watts Palmer (Adam), Michael Joseph Mitton, IV (Katherine), Megan Rosemary Mitton, Griffin Frederick Neal, Hunter Samuel Neal; 21 great-grandchildren; many wonderful nieces; nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.

Rosemary was born and raised in Rolling Fork, MS where she was a star on the basketball court, ran track and was an accomplished pianist. She left Rolling Fork to attend the University of Mississippi where she met the love of her life, and soul mate, Walter Watts. Walter and Rosemary were married in 1955 and began their life journey together. They made their move to what would become their lifelong home, Shreveport, LA, where Walter received his assignment to Barksdale Air Force Base. A year later their first child arrived, and Rosemary began her role as family CAO (Chief Activity Officer) including Transportation Chief; Head Chef; Unregistered Nurse; Disciplinarian; Head of Maintenance and Repair; and most important, Provider of Unlimited Love and Hugs. She created a beautiful and loving home that was always open to their large family and many dear friends. Rosemary was also an accomplished artist who leaves behind beautiful pieces shared by many family members, friends, and countless others. Through her quiet but determined demeanor, Rosemary was Mrs. Inside to Walter’s Mr. Outside. True teammates who found success through their devotion to each other, and love for their family.

Along with her family commitments, Rosemary gave selflessly to her community including many hours serving the Shreveport Junior League, St. Joseph Church and School, Jesuit High School, and, perhaps her favorite charity, Volunteers of America, NWLA.

The family would like to thank the following providers who gave wonderful, loving care to Rosemary during her last years, Dr. Richard Haynie, Dr. William Haynie, Jr. her devoted caregivers, DeeDee Carrier, Kim Johnson, Ginnette Foster and Diajuana Davis. Special thanks to Myrtis Williams who has been a dear friend for countless years, and Tom Bullock who was a great friend and companion for many years until his recent death.

Honoring Rosemary as pallbearers are grandsons, Christopher Watts, Dr. Edwin Watts, Justin Watts, Michael Mitton, Griffin Neal and Hunter Neal as well as sons-in-law, Joel Thomas, Mike Mitton and Jeff Neal and nephew, Robert Collins.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be W. C. “Bubba” Rasberry, Charles Salley and Dr. Lacy Williams.

The family suggests memorials be made to St. Joseph Church, 211 Atlantic Ave, Shreveport, LA, 71105, Volunteers of America, NWLA, 360 Jordan St., Shreveport, LA 71101 or a charity of your choice.