Charlene Watts

Charlene Willis was born September 5, 1957 in Dallas, Texas to Elijah “Buddy” Willis and Helena Howard and at an early age moved to their home of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Charlene departed this life on Monday, October 24, 2016 at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences peacefully surrounded by her loved ones.

Charlene attended Hot Springs High School and went on to attend college at National Park Community College. She spent the better part of her life over 21 years serving the mental health community at Community Counseling Center in Malvern and Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Charlene confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church under the direction of Reverend Billy E. Blackman. She visited many churches but found her home as a member of Gospel Mission C.O.G.I.C. under the direction of Pastor Daniel Turner until God called her home.

Charlene married Gregory E. Goines May 25, 1973 and to that union two children Bridget Y. Goines and Gregory E. Goines II were born. She later married William (Isaac) Watts and to that union one son William I. Watts II was born.

Charlene is preceded in death by her grandmother LuVera Jackson (Gary, Indiana), grandfather Roosevelt Howard (Ogden, Arkansas), mother Helena Willis, father Elijah “Buddy” Willis and brother Charles Willis all of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Charlene leaves to cherish her loving memory her daughter Bridget Akins (Lakeesha) of Little Rock, Arkansas, two sons Gregory Goines (Deneall) and William Watts both of Hot Springs, Arkansas. She leaves one brother James Willis and two sisters Vera Wilhite and Wanda Howard all of Hot Springs, Arkansas. She also leaves to mourn eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26