Joyce Watts

Joyce Rose Braud Watts died peacefully at home surrounded by family at the age of 97 years old on Sunday, September 19, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, Perlie Earl Watts Jr.; her parents Olive Edmonston and John Elder Braud Sr., one brother, John E. Braud, Jr.; her sisters, Jewell Achord, Marguerite Oufnac, Olive Mouch and a great grandchild, Cora Anne Watts. She was born November 20, 1923 and was a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, LA. She grew up on Hiawatha Street in Baton Rouge with five sisters and one brother. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, Istrouma Junior high and graduated from Istrouma High School in 1940. She met her high school sweetheart “Junior” who was her brother’s best friend. They were both IHS Cheerleaders. After the Pearl Harbor attack, they eloped to Clinton, La on January 31, 1942. The next 76 years of marriage were filled with excitement, passion, laughter and love. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Thomas More Church and was loved deeply by all who knew her. Joyce was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was a devout Catholic, an immensely talented bridge player, and fabulous cook. She will be remembered for her sweet beautiful smile, her graciousness, patience, selflessness, strength, and devotion to her family. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Lana Jean Watts Cocreham (R. Chris Cocreham), three sons and daughters-in-law, William E. Watts (Carolyn Ponson), Robert W. Watts (Kate Hobgood) and Richard A. Watts (Lee West); Ten Grandchildren: Chad (Allyson), Blake (Jamie), Alan (Kenzie), Brian Watts, Katharine Dobson (Howard), Allyson Chiro (Jordan), Jennifer Cowart (Courtney), Shannon Cocreham, Tracy Kufahl (Lucas), and Kelly Cocreham; 17 Great Grandchildren: Parker, Peyton, Avery, Abby, Briehn, Vivian, Madyson “Maddie”, and Mikayla “Mikki” Watts, Howard “Trip” Dobson, Annie and Richard Joseph “RJ” LeBlanc, Zachary “Zach”, Hayes, Benjamin “Ben” and Macy Cowart, Addison Kufahl, Karter Cocreham; two sisters Jessie Stevens and Beverly Scanlanand; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank our sitters for their excellent care of Mama. Daisy Hunt, Audrey Thomas, Shirley Burnett, Ty Gibson and Donnie Batiste. Her Grandsons and Great-grandsons will be pallbearers. Funeral Services will be at St. Thomas More Church at 10:00 until service at 12:00 on Thursday, September 23, 2021. Burial will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Greenoaksfunerals.com for the Watts family.