florence d. mccune watts

1929-1989

Life Story

Florence D. McCune Watts was the daughter of Grant McCune (1887-1967) and Florence Towner McCune (1891-1967), born on August 7, 1929, in Newton County, Mississippi. She was named after her mother, which is one way that African American families preserve their family history, forging a connection between generations that honors their lineage and heritage. Early in life, Florence completed the second grade in elementary school, demonstrating a keen interest in learning despite the challenges faced by her community during that era. She joined the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, a pivotal institution in her life, where she not only began to cultivate her spiritual beliefs but also built lasting relationships within her community. In 1950, at the age of twenty-one, her responsibilities at home included simply keeping house, as she had no outside job; however, her role extended beyond traditional homemaking, as she played a crucial part in supporting and nurturing her family, embodying the resilience and strength that characterized many women of her time.

In the early 1950s, Florence married Thomas Jefferson Watts (1928-2013), who was affectionately known as T.J. in the community, a man admired for his strong work ethic. They began their journey together filled with hopes and dreams, navigating the joys and challenges of married life. In 1958, the family found their home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where they created lasting memories, engaged with the local community, and built a solid support network of friends and neighbors. After a few years, they decided to return to Newton, MS, seeking familiarity and the comfort of family ties. From this union, the following children were born:

Mary Ann Watts (1953-2005)
Jimmy Watts (1954-?)
Thomas Watts, Jr. (1955-?)
Billy John Watts (1960-2025)
Richard Don Watts (1962-?)
Esther Kitt Watts (1964-?)
Mattie Faye Watts (1965-?)
Vinson Watts (1968-2018)
Tony Watts (1971-?)

Florence passed away from cervical cancer on September 2, 1989, at the University Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth that touched the lives of many. She is survived by a devoted husband, whose unwavering support and companionship brightened her darkest days, along with four sisters and two brothers who were her lifelong confidantes and friends: Melvinia Cooley from Newton, MS; Armelia Bell from Newton, MS; Elmyrtis Thames from Gulfport, MS; and Anna May Ross from San Bernardino, California. Additionally, her two brothers, Charles McCune of Lawrence, and Clayborne McCune of San Bernardino, California, mourn her loss. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the cherished memories they will carry with them.

She leaves behind nine children and their family members: Jimmy Watts and his wife Fannie, Billy John Watts and his wife Eva, Richard Watts and his wife Cassandra, Esther Gallaspy and her husband Jerry, along with Vinson Watts and Tony Watts, all residing in Newton; Mary Ann Price and her husband Cleo from Jackson, MS; and Thomas Watts, Jr.

Funeral services for Florence were conducted at Pine Ridge M.B. Church, officiated by Rev. Richard Watts. Interment took place in the Pine Ridge graveyard.

Resting Place

Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard

Photos/Albums

Sources

1930 Federal Census
1940 Federal Census
1950 Federal Census
The Newton Record, Lois McCune Obituary, Thu, May 28, 1959 ·Page 3
The Newton Record, Florence D. Watts Obituary, Wed, Sep 13, 1989 ·Page 16
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current

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