Juanita Watts (Poole) Obituary in Columbus at Progressive Funeral Home

Obituary For Juanita Watts (Poole)

Ms. Juanita Watts (Poole) passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the age of 93. She was born on January 3, 1933, to the late Flossie Bullock in Marion County, MS.

The Homegoing Celebration for Ms. Watts will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Progressive, and interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Garden.

Visitation Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Some lives are measured not only by the years they span, but by the love they give, the
courage they show, and the generations they inspire. Such was the life of Juanita Watts
who peacefully transitioned on June 11, 2026, at the age of 93.

Juanita's story began on January 3, 1933, in Marion County, Mississippi. She was the
fourth of six children born to the late Luther Poole and Flossie (Poole) Bullock. Growing
up in the close-knit First Hopewell community, she learned the values that would guide
her throughout her life, faith, perseverance, compassion, and an unwavering commitment
to family.

A gifted student, Juanita graduated as Valedictorian of her class at La Marion High School. She excelled both in the classroom and on the basketball court, where her
competitive spirit first took root. Her love of sports remained with her throughout her life,
and became one of the many joys she shared with her children and grandchildren. During
football season, family and friends knew exactly where to find her: cheering, celebrating
and occasionally fussing at her beloved New Orleans Saints.

Juanita lived through a transformative period in American history and believed deeply in
the pursuit of justice and equality. On August 10, 1967, as a mother of eight children, she
joined countless others in the historic march from Bogalusa to Baton Rouge, known as
the Longest Freedom Walk. Her participation reflected the courage and conviction that,
defined her character. She remained engaged with current events and politics, always
paying close attention to the issues shaping her community and country

While she accomplished much, nothing was more important to Juanita than her family.
Every decision she made was rooted in her desire to create opportunities and a better
future for her children. She was a devoted mother, loving wife, nurturing grandmother
and a steady source of wisdom and comfort for those she loved. Her home was a place of
encouragement, laughter, guidance, and unconditional love.

Juanita shared 13 years of marriage with her late husband, Alberry Watts Sr., and
together they built a family that became the center of her world. Though she experienced
the heartbreak of losing loved ones, including her daughter Lois, her sons Douglas and
Alberry "June" Watts; and her granddaughter Melissa Cullins, her strength and faith
carried her through life's challenges.

She leaves behind a legacy that continues through her surviving children: daughters
Velma (Morris) Parker of Phenix City, Alabama, Lillie Mae Watts of Allentown.
Pennsylvania and Lydia (Daniel) Yemofio (Phenix City, Alabama); and sons Jerry Watts
of Victorville, California, and Kenneth Watts of Bogalusa, Louisiana. Her love also lives
on through her 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and
a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives were
enriched by her presence.

Juanita was also preceded in death by her brothers Harris, James, and Edward, and her
sister Lillic. She is survived by her beloved sister, Bettye Jo Grainger of Bogalusa
Louisiana.

Throughout her life, faith served as both her foundation and her refuge. She worshipped
and served as a member of First Hopewell Baptist Church in Sumrall, Mississippi; Swees
Beulah Baptist Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana, and First Baptist Church of Lincoln
Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey. Her gentle spirit, kind heart, and steadfast faith left a
lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Juanita's life tells a story of resilience, devotion, and grace. She loved deeply, served
faithfully, and stood courageously for what she believed was right. Though she will be
greatly missed, her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the values she instilled
and the countless lives she touched along the way.

Her journey was long, her impact immeasurable, and her memory will forever remain a blessing.

Progressive Funeral Home staff considers it an honor and a privilege to serve the Family of Ms. Juanita Watts (Poole)

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