Rachel Jeanette Watts

Jeanette Watts, 81, passed away peacefully at her home in the loving care of her family on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Born in Alexander County, NC to the late Hayden Foy Bowman and Edna Fox Bowman, Jeanette spent her life as one of 7 wonderful sisters in Bethlehem on the family farm and homestead. She always shared her countless memories of her childhood tending to the livestock and gardens.

Jeanette was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She thoroughly enjoyed helping her husband, Jerry, and family with summer gardens and canning. She loved to cook and prepare recipes that were passed down from her mother and sisters. 

Jeanette was also very passionate about music, song and dance. She listened to everything from gospel to “oldie goldies”, but nothing compared to her love for Elvis Presley. There was always a radio playing her favorite music in their home and cars, and usually barely loud enough to drown out the television evening news. When an Elvis song came on the radio, neighbors on her street could hear the radio, and she knew every word to all of his songs.

She was a very strong- willed person with a resilience to overcome any adversity in life, something she instilled in her children. Jeanette was passionate about taking care of her family; loving and caring for others. She truly loved the Lord and placed all of her faith in God with every aspect of her life. She read the Bible daily and knew she would go to Heaven.

An active member at Sandy Ridge Baptist Church, Jeanette enjoyed attending Sunday School, the Sunday morning worship service, many Bible study activities, the Ladies sewing group, and Vacation Bible School.

As her health began to decline, her faithful husband of 59 years, and her family were always by her side to support and offer loving care to her. Jeanette showed strength and put her trust in God to see her through life. She will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, her sisters and the extended family, but we know that she is at peace and has comfort dwelling in Heaven in the presence of her eternal Father.

The funeral service will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 19, 2026 at Jenkins Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 P.M. in the Celebration Center of Jenkins Funeral Home and burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to her loving team at Carolina Caring Hospice. Thefamily are appreciative to their support, as well as the Grace Team Caregiving group.