Roberta June (Severs) Watts
Roberta passed away April 8, 2014, at the tender age of 92. She was surrounded by her loving family when she went to join the Lord in Heaven. Roberta was born Oct. 25, 1921, in Hockerville, Okla., to Beatrice and Clarence Severs. She had three brothers and four sisters and she out-lived them all. Roberta married Leonard Watts on March 4, 1942, here in Joplin. Leonard was a veteran of the Army and served honorably during World War II. He preceded her in death. Roberta and Leonard had one daughter, Joyce Taylor; one son, Jim Hilburn; and one step-son, Jerry Watts. All of her children preceded her in death. Her daughter, Joyce passed away in 2007 and is survived by her husband, Allen and their children. Roberta loved Allen just like one of her own and she told everyone he was her son. Roberta is also survived by six grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren and countless other family members and friends who loved her dearly. Roberta worked for Mercy Hospital, formerly St. Johns, and retired after 35 years of service. She worked in the kitchen preparing meals and worked well into her eighties because she loved the hospital and they loved her. Living just a few blocks from St. Johns, Roberta survived the Joplin tornado in a closet of her home. She said she survived by praying to the Lord and could feel His hands protecting her, her granddaughter Kay and great-grandson Jamie. She was true in her faith and is now resting in peace with her family in Heaven. Those who knew her will forever be blessed by her presence. |
