Vernita Watts

Vernita Ophelia Higgs Watts, known by family and friends as “Nita,” died Monday, January 2, 2017. Born in Palm Beach County Florida, Vernita moved to Camden, NJ. As a pre-teen, the family moved to Salem County where throughout high school, she worked for her family on her father’s produce farm. After graduation, she accepted a clerical position at the US Naval Base in Philadelphia, PA. During a trip to Rockford to visit her sister LaVera, she was introduced to her husband of 54 years, Henry Richard Watts. After a short period of courtship, the two married on August 26, 1962, and she moved to Rockford, IL. Vernita worked for the Rockford Department of Public Aid for over 10 years as a case worker. She also worked for the Rockford Public School System for over 20 years, first as a lunch room aide, and then as a special education para-professional. She thoroughly enjoyed working one- on-one each year with a student, and made positive, lasting impacts with each one. As a member of the Rockford Seventh-day Adventist Church for more than 50 years, she served her church in many roles, including deaconess, Sabbath School Teacher and Superintendent, and church pianist. Vernita loved to entertain and cook for others, and was known for her signature dishes made from scratch - potato salad and peach cobbler. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, sewing, knitting, playing the piano and organ, and sharing stories from long ago. She is survived by her husband, Henry R. Watts; daughter, LaNita Beth Watts Zeiss, (Michael); three grandchildren, Zachary, Alexander, and Zoe Zeiss; sister LaVera Tillman, sister Dr. Kamalee Williams, brother Dr. Nathaniel G. Higgs, III (Autherine); and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Funeral Service will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 5 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park. Visitation with the family will be at 3 p.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to AmazingFacts.org Ministry. To share a condolence visit www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com