VIVIAN WATTS

Vivian Victoria Watts was born on August 13, 1937, in LaGrange, Kentucky, to the late Reverend James Lee Roberts and Queen Victoria Roberts. She was the middle child of five children, born after her sisters, Delores and Jewell, and before her brothers, James and Vernie.

During her childhood, Vivian faithfully served both at home and at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where her father was the pastor. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by her father. Under his guidance, she learned to cook and assumed many of the family's cooking responsibilities while still a young girl, preparing meals for visiting ministers who often stayed in their home. Her father also frequently asked her to sing "I Am Satisfied with Jesus" at church services and special engagements, nurturing both her faith and her love of music.

Vivian attended Louisville Public Schools, where she met a young man named David while in high school. What began with David teasing her and drawing little "skull and bones" pictures soon grew into a lifelong friendship and an enduring love story. Her mother recognized it before she did, telling her, "That boy likes you." Vivian would later laugh about sitting behind David in class and asking him to hold his paper just right so she could check her answers during tests. During the summers, she worked various jobs, often walking long distances to and from work until David bought a car. Soon afterward, her father suddenly insisted on driving her to work and picking her up each day.

Vivian graduated from Central High School in 1955 and went on to attend Central State University, where she majored in Business Education and pursued advanced studies in Education. She graduated in May 1959 and married her high school sweetheart, David L. Watts, on August 8, 1959.

Shortly after they married, David was drafted into the United States Army, and the newlyweds spent two years at Fort Riley, Kansas. Vivian often joked that, having learned to cook for a large family, she initially prepared far more food than two people could eat. Like many young couples, they experienced financial challenges, sometimes stretching just seven dollars over the final twelve days of the month. Together, they learned the value of budgeting, meal planning, and working as a team—lessons that became hallmarks of their marriage.

Vivian began her career as an elementary school teacher with Indianapolis Public Schools at School No. 26, located across the street from New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. She later became an elementary teacher for 15 years before transitioning into counseling and guidance, serving students at Arlington High School and Howe High School for an additional 20 years. In all, she devoted 35 years of faithful service to Indianapolis Public Schools, touching countless lives through her compassion, wisdom, and dedication to education. 

The church across the street from her first teaching assignment would become her lifelong church home. Vivian joined New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and remained a faithful member for more than 60 years. She served in numerous ministries, including the choir, Sunday School, the Deaconess Ministry, and the Scholarship Ministry, eventually serving as president of both the Deaconess and Scholarship Ministries. She instilled in her family a deep love for the church, believing there was always something meaningful happening at New Bethel. She faithfully ensured her children attended Sunday School and consistently reminded them of the importance of having Christ at the center of their lives.

Vivian and David were blessed with two sons, David L. Watts Jr. and Damon L. Watts. As a family, they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, visiting all but three states and creating treasured memories along the way.

Vivian retired from Indianapolis Public Schools in 2000, the same year her younger son graduated from Hampton University in Virginia. Even after retirement, her passion for education remained strong, and Indianapolis Public Schools invited her back to tutor students who needed additional academic support.

Vivian was also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; Top Ladies of Distinction; the Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as Worthy Matron; and the Household of Ruth. Through these organizations, she dedicated herself to community service and mentoring others, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Vivian shared a beautiful marriage with her beloved husband, David L. Watts Sr. Together they celebrated 66 years of marriage and were looking forward to celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary in August—a testament to a lifetime of love, faith, commitment, and partnership.

Vivian leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, David L. Watts Sr.; her sons, David L. Watts Jr. and Damon L. Watts; her daughter-in-law, Kathryn Watts; her grandchildren, David L. Watts III, Dede Watts, and Gabrielle Watts; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, sorors, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love and example.

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