Francine Watts

Francine Watts passed away on Monday September 12, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones in Lansing, MI, at the age of 69. She was born November 23, 1952 to the late Otis Hill Jr. and Evelyn Mae (Watts) Hill in Albion, MI.

Francine was a staple in the Albion community. At a young age she was baptized at Bethel Baptist Church. She attended and graduated from Albion’s Public school system, raised four children in Albion, and worked in numerous places in a variety of fields throughout the community. Throughout the years Francine worked as a hall monitor for Albion Public Schools, The Malleable, K-Mart, and as a bar tender and cook at Little Johns, Gina by the Tracks, and Atkins Lounge. She was a jack of all trades that enjoyed the presence of people and was the life of every party she entered. She was a proud member of the Moose Lounge. She has never missed a Festival of the Forks or been ashamed to proclaim her Albion roots. Her love for Albion remained even after she moved to Lansing, MI in 2001. Once in Lansing Francine became a volunteer at Allen Neighborhood Center. She assisted with their Bread Basket program and become the founder and facilitator of The Kinship Care Support Group, which is still an active organization assisting familial caregivers. As a result of her volunteer work Francine was a recipient of the prestigious Governor’s Award. Francine was a lifelong learner and at the age of 65 graduated from Lansing Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Human Resources. Her continuous community interaction and mentorship led to her being affectionately dubbed “Gangsta Granny”, “Auntie”, and “The Lansing Club World Grandma”. The magnitude of losing such a legendary and influential woman has been felt by many.

Francine was preceded in death by her parents Otis and Evelyn, Sister Verlena (Hill) Robinson, Brother in Law Henry Robinson, and Great Grandson Kareem Johnson.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children; Antonio (Rita) Kurtz of Jackson, MI, Cheirie Watts of Lansing, MI, Chad (Trisha) Watts of Toledo, OH, and John (Melvina) Watts- Cooper of North Carolina. Grandchildren; Destiny (Marques) Manuel, Brandon Jackson, O’Tia Jenkins, Chad Watts, Summer Kurtz, Myles Kurtz, Avery Kurtz, Noel (Elijah) Moline, Petria Walker, Michelle Watkins, Aaliyah Watts, and Ty Parker Watts. Great Grandchildren; Demarques Manuel, Andreas Manuel, Cheirie Jenkins, Simone Watts, Ashton Watts, Cyn Watts, Nahla Watts, Selah Watts, Bennet Diver, Goddess Jenkins, Chad Watts Jr., Kamilah Foy-Walton, Alianna Jackson, Gi’Anna Kurtz, and Baylor Diver. Special Granddaughters; Adrianna Larkins and Maryannah Larkins. A brother Steven Hill of Albion, MI and a sister SeQuanda Watts of Detroit, MI. Special Niece; Ranjean Larkins. God Children; Jennifer McDonald and Christopher Gibson. Special Friends; Brenzetta Wilson, Phyllis Gamble, Chris Farmer, Daryl Webb, and Robert Allen. Along with a host of family members both blood related and love related.

A visitation for Francine will be held Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Bethel Baptist Church, 523 Washington Street, Albion, Michigan 49224, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kevintiddfuneral.com for the Watts family.