Glenda Lou Hyatt Knight Watts, age 87, of Cullman, Alabama, entered her eternal rest on November 29, 2025, at Cullman Regional Medical Center. She was born on January 15, 1938, in Cullman to Shelley and Cordie Hyatt, and from the very beginning her life was shaped by faith, family, and service.
Glenda spent part of her childhood at the former Cullman County Jail, where her father served as sheriff and her mother cooked for and cared for the inmates. Those early years—filled with unique stories, community, and responsibility—helped form the compassionate, resilient, and steadfast woman she would become.
A lifelong resident of Cullman, Glenda devoted her work to strengthening her community. She served as a Teacher’s Aide at East Elementary School and later as the pastor’s secretary at East Side Baptist Church, a congregation she loved deeply and where she formed lifelong friendships. She completed her career with the Cullman County Board of Education, faithfully serving as Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools under Jim Boyd, Felton Easterwood, and Jan Farley. Her dedication, warmth, and steady presence touched countless lives.
Glenda’s life was marked by remarkable strength. A two-time cancer survivor, she also endured the profound losses of her husbands, Obie Knight and Billie Gene Watts, and the heartbreaking passing of her eldest daughter, Sonya Carol (Knight) Hembree, from pancreatic cancer. Through every trial, she leaned on her steadfast faith and a heart that never stopped loving others.
An active member and longtime Secretary of East Side Baptist Church, Glenda led Sunday School classes, participated in ministries, and continued attending services—whether in person or online—until she was no longer able. Her church family remained a source of joy, support, and fellowship throughout her life.
Glenda was preceded in death by her parents, Shelley, and Cordie Hyatt; her brother, Rayford Hyatt; her husbands, Obie Knight and Billie Gene Watts; her daughter, Sonya; and stepchildren Dale, Dave, Darrel, and Jeff Watts.
She is survived by her daughter, Shari (John) Hurt; grandchildren Jason (Jessica) Hurt, Amy (Brent) Smith, and Joseph (Skye) Hurt; great-grandchildren Austin (Caleigh) Hurt, Brinley Carol Hurt, Willa Carol Smith, Parker Hurt, Cooper Hurt, and Olivia Hurt; and great-great-grandchild Ivy Hurt. She is also survived by son-in-law Kerry Hembree, son-in-love Grady Smith, stepchildren Jack (Linda) Watts and Jill (Greg) Prestridge, stepdaughters-in-law Donna Watts and Renee Watts, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors at East Side Baptist Church from 10:00–11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at New Hope #2 Baptist Church in Holly Pond. Arrangements are entrusted to Moss Service Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Glenda’s memory to East Side Baptist Church.
Glenda will be remembered for her kindness, her faith, her strength, and the countless lives she touched through her service and friendship. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved her and whom she so dearly loved.
