Grace Kiddy Watts

Grace Kiddy Watts, 93, of Morganton, NC died Sunday, August 5, 2012 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. Born November 18, 1918 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Roy Kiddy and Bessie Ann Poteat Kiddy. Grace was a lifelong member of Southside Baptist Church, where she had taught Sunday school and sung in the choir for many years. Always devoted to God and her family, she loved to read the Bible daily until illness deprived her of that joy. All of her life, Grace worked very hard to take care of her family. Besides being a tireless homemaker, she worked at Belk’s Department Store for more than 30 years. After Grace retired, she especially enjoyed working in her garden, cooking the most delicious meals, and tending to her beautiful flowers. When her husband moved to a nursing home for several years, Grace spent many hours with him there daily, and when possible, she brought him home for afternoon visits. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her family and church friends. Grace’s sincere warmth, her sense of humor, and her selfless goodness will be remembered by all the people she touched in her own special way. May her gentle Christian soul rest in eternal peace with her Heavenly Father and all her loved ones eagerly waiting to be reunited with her.Grace is survived by children, Carolyn Watts Smith and husband, Grover of Charlotte, NC; Dennis R. Watts of Morganton; and Thomas R. Watts and wife, Karen, of Celina, Ohio; grandchildren, Brian Watts, Chris Watts, Kemp Smith, Wendi Benfield, Terri Rubino, and Cindy Turk; eleven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Emma Jean Holland of Morganton.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Edison Watts; a son, Henry Edison Watts, Jr.; a sister, Lucille McPhail; and a brother, Thomas Roy Kiddy.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 9, 2012 at Southside Baptist Church, with Rev. Randy Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Southside Baptist Church, PO Box 2306, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.