Ollie Mae Bratton Watts was born on March 20, 1936, to the late Mary (Stoner) and Furman Bratton in Asheville, NC. Ollie was preceded in death by her five siblings, Geraldine Washington, Cordell Hamilton, Juanita Leake, Clarence Bratton, and Charles Bratton.  Ollie was called to rest on June 13, 2022 after a long battle with dementia.

Ollie was a graduate of the class of 1954 at Stephen Lee’s high school and upon graduation went to work for the Social Security Administration. Ollie retired from SSA after 31 years of dedicated service.  Ollie lived with her beloved sister Juanita and nephew Henry for 15 years. After Juanita died, Ollie and Henry continued to live together until Ollie’s health declined requiring care outside the home.

Ollie was a devout Catholic and went to Church as often as she could. For more than 70 years she was an active member of St. Lawrence Basilica Catholic Church. Ollie loved the Lord and enjoyed hearing Father Thomas deliver the Word of God.

Ollie’s humor and quick wit always brought a smile or laughter.  Ollie loved listening to music especially Ray Charles, Brooke Benton, Luther Vandross, and Dinah Washington.  Ollie was also known for making a “mean potato salad” and feeding the many who were always welcomed into her home.

Ollie was previously married to Herbert “Watt Daddy” Watts who preceded her in death.  She is survived by three children Celeste Fletcher, Darrell Watts (Jackie) and Paula Watts, special nephew Henry Juan Leake, special son-in-law Billy Cox, grandchildren, Lesley Cox Webber (Lonnie), Warren Dane Cox, Brandon Lloyd Cox, Quinn Smith, Dustin Watts, Donovan Watts, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives. 

Acknowledgement

The family gratefully acknowledges the many kind and beautiful expressions of sympathy and love shown during our time of bereavement. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the practitioners that provided care to our mother, specifically Dr. Meg Wood-Sims, Memory Care, and the Oaks at Sweeten Creek.

We extend a special thank you to Janeen Danner for the many years of caring and loving support of our mother.  You have treated Ollie with such caring compassion and we are forever grateful for your love. You are so much more than a care provider, you are family.

A Graveside Service to honor the life of Mrs. Ollie will be held on Wednesday, June 22nd at Violet Hill Cemetery located at 454 Hazel Mills Road, Asheville, NC 28806.

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