Rosa Lee Watters

Rosa Lee was born in Wilmington, NC on October 29, 1925 the daughter of the late Joseph W. Reaves and Mittie Jane Reaves Todd.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, William “Hall” Watters, (whom she met at New Hanover High School); brother, Joseph R. Reaves and sister, Eleanor A. Reaves.

Our most beloved mother is survived by her 3 children; Susan Watters (husband Mike) Hampstead NC, Tommy Watters( wife Kim) Wilmington, NC and Steve Watters Ft. Pierce FL Affectionately known as “MomMom,” by her 4 grandchildren; Fielding Smith Indian Trail, NC Jessica Brewer ( husband Chad) Harrisburg, NC, Davy Woodward( husband Colby) Indialantic, FL Phillip Watters (wife Logan) Indialantic, FL; and her 4 great grandchildren; Sawyer Woodward, Reaves Woodward, Cash Watters and Copeland Watters.

Rosa Lee, a native Wilmingtonian and true Southern Lady, led a life dedicated first to serving God. Truly she was a living example of God’s word. His love flowed freely through her to all who met her. She grew up in the Fourth Street Advent Christian Church in downtown Wilmington. Her family walked to church every Sunday. Her grandparents were members of the Middle Sound Advent Christian Church, walking to church as well. An adored Sunday School teacher, Rosa Lee was able to instill in Primary Grade School children the importance of memorizing scripture. She wrote a version of the Memory Verse ABC’s. Every child in the class was able to memorize all 26 verses, one verse for each letter of the alphabet. Later in life she was the church secretary for the United Advent Christian Church, for several years.

Rosa Lee’s love of family came from growing up in a loving Christian home. She delighted in spending time with her family. Happy to be a wife, mother, and grandmother, making fun memories all along the way. A quote from her, “The dust & dirty dishes will always be there but people will not.” In other words enjoy precious time together doing something fun. She would rather be outside “playing,” than indoors. She was also an avid reader, sharing favorite authors with family & friends. She wrote poetry and wrote letters to encourage others. Sewing was a talent she possessed and freely shared handmade items. Gardening, was another thing she enjoyed, definitely having a green thumb. Beauty surrounded her in so many ways.

She was very proud of her hometown, Wilmington. She grew up in the downtown area, walking to school. Her father owned a small grocery store on Front Street. Downtown Wilmington held special memories for her. During WWII she worked for the Atlantic Coastline Railroad, refunding ticket money for seats that were needed by soldiers being transported. She and her sister would volunteer at the local USO. Her family would invite soldiers into their home for a home cooked meal. The Lumina at Wrightsville Beach was where she enjoyed ballroom dancing to Big Band music during the 1940s, chaperoned by her older brother. During this time, her family would occasionally ride the trolly to Wrightsville Beach on Sunday afternoon after church, bringing a picnic lunch. A history enthusiast, she was a tour guide for the Bellamy Mansion downtown and for Poplar Grove Planation in Scotts Hill.( 1980s) Always ready to share with visitors the unique history of, in her words, “our little town.”

In her mid-forties Rosa Lee’s enjoyment of the ocean led her back to school to study Marine Biology at Cape Fear Technical Institute.( now Cape Fear Community College) She received an Associate’s Degree as a Marine Lab Technician. Taking care of the environment/ocean and this beautiful place she called home, was very important to her.

Rosa Lee will be greatly missed but her legacy lives on in the hearts of family, friends and all who were blessed to have visited with her for any length of time!

The family would also like to thank the Lower Cape Fear Hospice of Wilmington for their wonderfully compassionate care.

Celebration of Life service will be held June 25, 2022 at 10:00 am in the First Advent Christian Church located at 1625 South College Road Wilmington, NC 28403. Rosa Lee requested that family and friends wear “cheerful” colors to the service. For those who may need to remain in their cars, the service can also be heard from the parking lot or adjacent park, over the AM radio, tune into AM 1630. Visitation with the family will be after the service in the Fellowship Hall.

In remembrance of Rosa Lee Reaves Watters’ life, the family requests that charitable donations be made to Advent Christian Village PO Box 4305 Dowling Park, Florida 32064; The Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Foundation 1414 Physicians Drive Wilmington, NC 28401-7335; or First Advent Christian Church 1625 South College Road Wilmington, NC 28403.