Paula Elizabeth Watts

Paula Elizabeth Watts, 78, of Southport, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 11, 2012, at Hospice of the VNA of St. Luke's, Bethlehem, PA, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Born on September 21, 1934 in Philadelphia, Paula was raised in Bala Cynwyd, PA, where she and her future husband, George were classmates at Lower Merion High School. She attended Drexel University, where she was a member of the field hockey and lacrosse teams. While a college student, she was a junior member of the Stone Harbor Yacht Club in New Jersey, where she taught sailing. Following college, Paula and George began dating and were inseparable for the next 54 years.

Following her marriage, Paula's dedication was to her husband and four sons. A life-long beach lover, she enjoyed many summers in Stone Harbor, NJ, eventually retiring to Southport, NC in 1999, where she became a member of Southport Presbyterian Church. Paula was an avid golfer, tennis and bridge player.

Paula was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Elizabeth Holmes, and her brother, John Holmes. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 53 years, George R. Watts, Jr; her sons, Christopher and his wife Kimberly, Bethlehem, PA; Jeffrey and his wife Suzanne, Roswell, GA; David, Roanoke, VA; Stephen and his wife Suzanne, Cincinnati, OH. Also left to cherish her memory are her loving grandchildren, Christopher Jr., Bryan, Taylor, Elizabeth, Margaret, Catherine, Michael, Jacob, Jordan, Sarah, Luke and Matthew.

"Mere", as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, enjoyed life to the fullest. Her ready smile and cheery laugh will be sadly missed and long remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paula's name to Hospice of the VNA of St. Luke's, 1510 Valley Center Parkway, Suite 200, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 19, 2012 at Southport Presbyterian Church, 1025 E. Moore St., Southport, NC 28461 at 1:00 pm.

Memorial Service
Monday, November 19, 2012
1:00 PM
Southport Presbyterian Church
1025 E. Moore St
Southport NC 28461
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531