Katie Mae Watts

A TIME TO BE LOVED

Katie married her sweetheart, William M. Watts on July 13, 1982. They resided in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Dayton, Ohio; San Antonio, Texas; and then returned to Dayton, Ohio, where they retired from Wright Patterson Air Force Base. After spending twenty years in Dayton and constructing their second home, they relocated to Tucson, Arizona in 2017.

A TIME TO WORSHIP AND SERVE

At an early age, Katie accepted Christ and joined Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Yellow Bluff, Alabama. Later in her life moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

Upon returning to Ohio, she joined Grace Family Worship Center and assisted with the Church Pantry to support families in Troy and nearby communities.

After moving to Tucson, Arizona, she joined Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church under leadership of Dr. Reverend Marvin Hugley Sr. and Pastor Joan Wiggins. Katie remained active in church throughout her life until the very end. She was part of WOW, the Widows Ministry, and most recently the Pastors Aide Committee.

Katie enjoyed a range of activities, such as listening to music, online shopping, reading, traveling, and cherishing moments with her family. She was generous-hearted and deeply affected many people. Her warmth reached all those she met, leaving a lasting impression of kindness.

She attended Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, as well as National College online, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Katie served as an Auditor for the United States Air Force and participated actively in BIG (Blacks in Government) in Dayton, OH, an organization that promotes Black excellence in government.

A TIME TO REST

On February 16, 2026, Katie passed away from this earthly world. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, William M. Watts; her granddaughter, Jahkatlin Randolph; her mother, Susie Mae Horne; her father, Chester Grayson; her sisters, Lucy Ann and Archania Carter; her nephew, Aaron Grayson; and her brother, Ranger Grayson.

Katie is survived by her daughter, Sameria (Artis Jr.) Stromas of Dayton, Ohio; her grandchildren, including her dedicated granddaughter Jenny Randolph of Atlanta, Georgia; Kara (Carlos) Vega of Tucson, Arizona; grandsons Samuel (Brittny) Watts of Dayton, Ohio, Jahkell Stromas of Dayton, Ohio, and Eric Hughley of Dayton, Ohio; and her great-grandchildren Blake and James Watts of Dayton, Ohio, Malachi Mack of Tucson, Arizona, Alyssa and Maddox Vega of Tucson, Arizona. Katie is also remembered by her son, William (Charlotte) Watts of Tucson. Additionally, she leaves behind her sisters Corean Thomas of Flint, Michigan and Sandra Bradshaw of Decatur, Georgia; her brothers Willis (Maggie Dismuke) Grayson of Houston, Texas and Richard Grayson of Mobile, Alabama; stepmother Viola Quinney; nephew Raymond (TaShauna) Grayson; and a special family: Raul, Patricia, Gracie, and Joaquin Barcelo.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends of the Moore, Grayson, Horne, Abrams, King, Johnson and Randolph families across Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, and Ohio.

Finally, her Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church family is also acknowledged.

Katie’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, boundless generosity, and steadfast love for her family and community. Her memory will remain a guiding light, inspiring those who knew her to live with compassion, integrity, and devotion. As we remember her life and celebrate her lasting impact, may we continue to honor her spirit by extending kindness and service to others, just as she so graciously did throughout her journey.

A funeral service will be held at Mt Calvary Missionary Baptist, located at 210 E Lester St, Tucson, AZ, 85705, United States. The service is scheduled for February 27, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.