Cynthia Kay Watts

Cindy was born, prophetically, on February 14, 1944. Those who were lucky enough to have known her will tell you that Valentine’s Day was the perfect birthday for Cindy, because she had such a generous and tender heart toward anyone or anything that was downtrodden or in despair. And she matched that heart with strong hands, open arms and anything else she had to offer to be of help to a friend or a stranger. Among her last acts on this earth was to take food to a neighbor in need.

Cindy was born in Big Spring, Texas to Ronald Earl “Mutt” Moore and Ruby Louese “Lou” Craft Chance. A precocious child, she loved to sing and “perform” for her large family, which included her dear aunts, Lois Ray Craft and Lee Hooper, and her special cousins Tanya and LaDonna, and her much-loved Granddaddy, Murray Isaac Craft. Home and family would always be her greatest comfort and joy, and Cindy’s family introduced her to a love of music, art, magic, animals and the Bible. It was a family of many talents and many interests, and they instilled in Cindy a curiosity and desire to learn, as well as a strong work ethic and determined independence. She was delighted to get a baby brother, Michael, when she was twelve, and loved and helped mother him from the moment he came home.

Cindy raised three children, often with not much but her own white-knuckled determination, but she did it with love, and despite trials or need, she found ways to earn a little extra to buy a prom dress or new jeans, and our first cars. She worked the night shift at Ethicon for eleven years, and kept a second job as a cashier or waitress for years so that she could buy a home. You could often find Cindy up until the wee hours at night, sewing curtains or arranging dried flowers – doing something that would brighten up her home or making something to sell to help make ends meet. She often said that it was amazing what you could do with next to nothing. Mama, you were amazing! We know how you sacrificed, and we love you for it.

Cindy’s life took many different turns, but what we remember was that she always made a comfortable home and used her many talents to enhance wherever she found herself. She could draw and paint, and had a lovely singing voice and a ready laugh. Cindy loved to read and play games, and she loved to discuss world events, mysteries and the Bible. We were thrilled that, in 1979, she met and married James “Jim” Watts, who shared her love of a good discussion and gave her free reign to be herself. They were a great couple, and shared a wonderful life together with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, first in Midland, Texas and for the last twenty-five years, in Grape Creek, so Cindy could be near her mother and brother. She worked, first, for the San Angelo State School in Carlsbad and later for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice when the facility changed functions. Cindy was a wonderful caregiver to both the clients of the State School and to the prisoners she encountered. She would encourage them, as she did anyone, to see the opportunity and not the hindrance; to seek and earn forgiveness and a fresh start; and, no matter what the circumstance, to have hope and keep dreaming. That’s what Cindy did.

Cindy, you left us suddenly and way too soon, but we are proud to see your spirit, compassion and independence in your children, your influence of generosity and brotherly love on friends and neighbors, and that little bit of a “ham” in all your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You didn’t think you’d have much to leave us – oh, but you did!

To celebrate her life, Cindy leaves her children and their spouses, daughter Amber and husband Robert Alexander of San Angelo, TX, son Todd and wife Maggie Beckham of Conroe, TX, and daughter Shauna and husband Leon Flett of Entiat, WA, as well as her beloved brother Michael and wife Becky Francis of San Angelo. She will also be remembered by a dear step-son, Sam and wife Becky Watts; her grandchildren Chrys Carter, Matthew Carter, Danielle Perkins, Jennis Beckham, Holden Newton, Austin Newton, Aubrey Newton, Michael Watts and Brandon Watts; and great-grandchildren, Abbi, Lexi and Ruby. Her memory will be cherished by her uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews, many cousins, and by many dear friends and neighbors. Cindy is now reunited with her dear husband Jim, her mother, Lou Chance and stepfather Bill Chance, special cousin, Karandee Patterson and many others who were precious to her.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to M D Anderson in Houston in honor of Karandee Patterson, the Methodist Assistance Fund at First United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.