Wilma Ford Watts

VIRGILINA, VA Mrs. Wilma Ford Watts, wife of Mr. Rufus Owen Watts, Jr.,passed away on February 8, 2017 at Duke Hospital in Raleigh, NC.Mrs. Watts, 88, was born near Virgilina, VA on June 12,1928, the daughter of the late Giles Armstead Ford and the late Blanche Inez Talley Ford. Mrs. Watts graduated from Virgilina High School in 1945.After their marriage in 1946, Wilma and Rufus settled in Northern Virginia where they raised three children, sons Carroll Watts of Raleigh and Raymond Watts of Mt. Airy, MD., and a daughter, Sandra Vanderbeek of Raleigh.In 1983, after Rufus retired from the FAA, they relocated to a farm on Virgilina Road.Wilma enjoyed spending time with family, traveling and sitting with Rufus under the trees on their patio.She was a member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church. Survivors include their children and Raymond’s wife, Lynn and Sandra’s husband Peter; grandchildren Andrew Watts, Justin and Elizabeth Vanderbeek, Thomas Vanderbeek, Steven Taylor- Watts and wife Laura Michaels, Jamie Caroline Watts and Rachel James; great grandchildren, Camden Watts, Liam Gauvin, Emilia Wattsand Eloise Vanderbeek; and a nephew, Gary Ford. Other than her parents, Mrs. Watts was predeceased by brothers, Wallace Ford and Armstead Ford. Funeral services for Mrs. Watts will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Shady Grove United Methodist Church with Reverend Shayne Estes officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 12:00-1:00 PM prior to the service. Those wishing to give memorials please consider Shady Grove United Methodist Church, 4129 E. Hyco Road, South Boston, VA 24592.