of Marshall, AR
November 29, 1949 - October 26, 2025
Judy Ann Watts, age 75 of Marshall, Arkansas passed from this earthly life on Sunday, October 26th, 2025 at Baxter Health in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was born in Marshall, Arkansas on November 29th, 1949 to Doice Franklin ''Tom'' Harness and Rue Malinda Branscum Harness. Judy was married to James Michael ''Mike'' Watts for 55 years before his passing in 2023.
Judy met the love of her life, Mike Watts, in high school. She graduated high school in 1967 and was married Feb. 9th, 1968. Judy went on to Draughon School of Business in Little Rock where she learned how to ''key punch'' cards for computers. After that, they moved up to Indiana, and she worked in a pharmacy as a clerk. When they came back to Marshall, she worked at Myatt's Department Store. Later on, she worked at Searcy County Title Company in July, of 1972 and became a Licensed Abstracter in 1973. She quit working after Lance was born in 1983 and worked part-time at Ferguson's Convenience Store as a bookkeeper. After Jamie went to school, she came back to work for Searcy County Title Company until the office was sold in about 2015. She had a reputation for being a dependable, tireless worker wanted to do the best job possible for her customers and friends. Her favorite ''job'' though was being a mother. She loved her children and embraced being a mom. Judy loved her children and was ferociously protective of them. She kept scrapbooks and clippings of their accomplishments. And when she became a Granny, she was thrilled! Family meant everything to her, and she embraced her son- and daughter-in-law as her own. Her greatest desire for her family was that they would be saved and walk with and be obedient to the Lord. Judy was one of the most self-less people out there. She would put others first and expect nothing in return. Judy was a member of the Eastside Missionary Baptist Church and loved her church family.
Survivors include her children, Lance Michael Watts and wife, Juanita of St. Joe and Jamie Michele James and husband, Jared of Harrison; his grandchildren, Sabrina Emerson of Little Rock, Jonathan Drewry of St. Joe, Jasmine Watts of St. Joe, Jace James of Harrison and Emerie James also of Harrison; her brother, Ronnie Harness of Marshall; sister, Donna Jackson of Marshall; her nieces, Diana Forrester of Jacksonville, FL; Linda Jo Casey of Harmon; nephew, Jeff Horton of Marshall. Judy is also survived by one great grandchild, Josiah Emerson and many extended family and friends who will also mourn her passing.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Rue Harness, and her husband Mike Watts.
Funeral services for Judy will be 2:00 PM Thursday, October 30th, 2025 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. David Wallis and Kenneth Ferguson officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 till 2:00 PM preceding the service. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery where Judy will be laid to rest beside her husband, Mike. Bearers will be Jeff Horton, Preston Ferguson, Brandt Reed, Nick Reed, Kenneth Ferguson and Jared James. Honorary bearers will be Jonathan Drewry, Colton Horton, Warren Ferguson, Walker Ferguson, Ricky Reed and Heath Forrester.
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23 Condolence(s)
Clara Foshee
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Prayers of comfort
Josephine perry
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
So sorry to hear of Judy's passing prayers for the family
Chere Beavers
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Judy was such a wonderful woman, and she loved her family so much! Lance and Jamie, I know you are going to have a big hole in your life with her passing, but you will see her again someday! God bless and keep you as you grieve her loss. Heaven has gained another angel. Chere' and Bill Beavers
Jerry and Renee Storey
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
I was so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was a kind lady who always had a sweet smile ready to share. God’s peace and strength for her family is my prayer
Ann Sanders
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
I’m so very sorry for your loss. My prayers for peace and comfort for all the family.
Eddie, and Kathy Morrison
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
We’re so sorry to hear about Judy passing away. She was such a sweet person. I know she loved her family so much.
We send you all our deepest sympathy, and prayers.
Paulette Beavers Rea
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
I'm so sorry for ur loss....my thoughts and prayers are with Y'all ❤️
Eddie, and Kathy Morrison
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
We’re so sorry to hear about Judy passing away. She was such a sweet person. I know she loved her family so much.
We send you all our deepest sympathy, and prayers.
Janita King
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. My prayers going up for her loved ones. May they be comforted in this time of great loss.
Coy & Sue Horton
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
So sorry to read of Judy's death. we have known Judy since she was a small girl. always so sweet and kind. Our prayers and sympathy are with her relatives and friends. May God bring comfort as only He can.
Barbara Smith
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Judy was such a sweet lady. Always had a smile for everyone. I know she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. May you find peace with all the wonderful memories you have of her.
D. L. & Peggy Adams
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Please know that all of the family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Nina Baysinger
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
So very sorry for your loss
David and Judy Branscum
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Lance & Jamie and family, Our deepest sympathies on the passing of your sweet spirited mother. Judy had such a gentle way about her that would make you feel more peaceful after spending any amount of time with her. May you have the peacefulness that comes from the Lord’s presence.
Rhonda Carter
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
I am so very sorry for your loss . My prayers are with you
Wesley and Loretta Smith
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
We are sorry for your loss of your mother and grandmother. I always counted Judy as a good friend and she will be missed by lots of people.
Steve & Shawna Leber
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
We are so sorry to hear about Mrs. Judy's passing. What a great neighbor with a kind heart.
Our hearts go out to the family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Noel Griffith
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Lance and family I am so sorry for your loss..my prayers and thoughts will be with you
Glenda House
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
praying for GODs peace over your sorrow.
Janet Hubbard Rainbolt
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
So sorry to hear of Judy's passing. She was such a sweet woman. My prayers are with the family.
Edna J Treat
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
So sorry for your loss my condolences and prayers are with the family.
Bethel Massey
Monday, October 27, 2025
Lance and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss..Judy was a precious lady..praying for comfort
and strength during this most difficult time.
Dewayne & Tonya Keisler
Monday, October 27, 2025
Sorry for your loss
Prayers for the family