In Prattville, Alabama, on April 24, 1934, Henrietta Watts was born to the late Henry and Juanita Watts. She was the fifth child of eleven siblings.

Henrietta as we all know and love, spent her youth in Prattville where she attended public school and graduated from North Highland High School. She was a studious fun- filled girl with plenty of girlfriends and admiring male on-lookers. She took singing lessons in Montgomery, Alabama to develop that lovely gift with which she had been blessed.

Her spiritual beginning was at the First Baptist Church in Prattville, Alabama where her parents were leaders in the church. Henrietta was baptized at an early age and grew up participating in the many church youth activities.

Henrietta met and married Percy DeRamus Jr., an army veteran. They began their married life in Booth, Alabama, and migrated to Cleveland, Ohio for better opportunities. Four daughters and three sons were born of this union. Henrietta had one daughter from a previous relationship. As a young woman, Henrietta, drew upon her gifts and talents to give her children a good foundation for life. She was an outstanding cook, an adoring wife and a devoted mother to all of her children.

In 1970, Henrietta endured the untimely death of her beloved husband, Percy. She was young widow with seven children to care for on her own. Known for her strength, strong-will and quick wit, Henrietta was determined to survive and raise her children. With the help of the Lord, Henrietta rolled up her sleeves and became chef, teacher, lawyer, coach, and whatever else was needed so that she and her children may thrive. Henrietta not only raised her own children but also played a significant role in raising her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to be being a full-time mother, Henrietta entered the workforce as a maintenance worker at JCC Community Center, Mayfield Heights, OH, where she worked for 15 years. During her time there, she became the union representative and worked tirelessly for the rights of its workers.

Juggling her responsibilities at home and work, Henrietta managed to raise her children through high school and send some of them off to the military or college. Four of her children launched careers in the armed services—two sons served in the Army, one served in the Navy, and one daughter served in the Air Force. One daughter became an ordained minister, one daughter became a dietary supervisor, one daughter became an attorney, and the youngest daughter became Henrietta’s full-time caregiver. Henrietta was able to live her later years with independence and dignity, surrounded by loved ones and friends.

Henrietta was one of the founders of the Everlasting Baptist Church under the pastorate of the Rev. Leroy Smith, where she participated in several ministries, where the current pastor is Rev. DeWitt Chappell. She enjoyed singing in the choir, spending time with her church family and travelling with her girlfriends.

The family would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Erma, LaShawn, Shawna and Datwon, as they worked together to keep Mother comfortable, well cared for and in good spirits. We also thank Audra and Malcolm for handling Henrietta’s financial responsibilities.

As we mourn Henrietta’s passing, we celebrate her Eternity and Legacy. She leaves to cherish her memory; Three sons, Malcolm J. DeRamus (Chotima), Cleveland, OH, Marcellino DeRamus, Macon, GA; Sharif D. DeRamus, Bowie, MD; Five daughters, Rev. Christella Watts, Bronx, NY; Victoria M. DeRamus (deceased); Audra V. Bowen, Cleveland, OH; Monica D. DeRamus, Dover, OH, Esq.; Erma J. Davis (Luther), Cleveland, OH. Henrietta’s Siblings, Leander Watts (deceased); Bertha Darden (deceased), Mary E. Sheridan (deceased), Henry Watts, Jr. (deceased), Willie Watts (deceased), Robert Watts(deceased); Mose Watts (deceased); Johnnie Watts Huntsville, AL; Eula Belle Hamilton (deceased), James L. Watts (deceased),

Mavelene Long, Prattville, AL. Four forever sisters-in-laws, Charity Watts, Prattville, AL, Mary Watts, Georgia, Claudia Edwards, Mount Vernon, NY, and Loretta Howard, Chicago. Two Brother-In-Laws Clemen Sonny DeRamus, GA, Ashley Hamilton, Bronx, NY.

She is survived by 12 Grandchildren: Malcolm D.A. DeRamus, Teisha N. Thomas, Darrion K.J. DeRamus, Tia S. Prewitt, Angelique Bowen Gunn (Vincent), Andre Bowen (Lexi), William DeRamus; Cartier DeRamus, LaShawn DeRamus, Jasmond Willis, Devin DeRamus (Betti), Shalain DeRamus,

24 Great Grandchildren: Dashia DeRamus, DeAsia DeRamus, Malcolm DeRamus Jr., Aniya Nolan, Javaris Nolan, Cory DeRamus, Darion DeRamus Jr., Janiya Thomas, Jordyn Thomas, Adrianna Belle, Arianna Belle, Ivy Gunn, Alexander Bowen, Shawna DeRamus, Shawnai DeRamus, Datwon DeRamus, Deanta DeRamus, Andrew DeRamus, Avery Smith, Jacob DeRamus, Derrick Randolph, Dominique Randolph, Deanta Willis, and Andrew Willis. Two Great Grandchildren: Pierre Nolan, Noah DeRamus, and a host of beloved Cousins Hadnotts and Watts; Nieces, Nephews and dear friends.