Reverend John E. Watts, age 97, of Purvis, MS, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Visitation will be held Friday, October 17, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home in Columbia, MS.
Funeral services, officiated by Dr. Jerry Watts, Rev. Bill Wright, Rev. Darel Daniels, along with John David Watts, will be conducted at Improve Baptist Church on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Improve Cemetery.
Born and reared in Marion County, Rev. Watts 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.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. John C. Watts and Louise Broom Watts of Improve; his first wife, Doris R. Watts; sisters, Pearl Williams, Vera Mae Williams, and Evelyn Wesley; and brothers, Calvin Watts and Lewis Watts.
Rev. Watts is survived by his beloved wife, Betty T. Watts of Purvis; daughters, Darlene Smith (Billy) of Covington, Louisiana; Wanda Sholar (Donald) of Purvis, and Brenda Cosby (Gary) of Gainesville, Florida; a son, John David Watts (Wanda) of Pace, FL; 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 are 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.
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.
