Annie Darlene Watts

Annie Darlene Watts has desired to be reunited with her beloved husband, Robert (Bobby), for more than twenty years. She got her wish Tuesday, September 26, 2023, when she passed away at the age of 81 at Unity Health-White County Medical Center in Searcy,

Darlene and Bobby were married in 1959. They remained united through his service in the U.S. Air Force (retired Master Sergeant), returning in the 1970s to their home state of Arkansas, where he worked as a television repairman in Monticello, and until his death in October 2001, spending nearly forty-three years together as one. Darlene was primarily a homemaker, taking care of her family, but she also did work as a babysitter and for Walmart.

In addition to her husband, Darlene loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her family dearly. After Bobby’s death, she moved to Beebe, where she was a member of Open Arms Assembly of God, although health concerns prohibited her from attending services her last few years.

In a farewell letter to her family, Mom wrote: “Remember me, as you pass by. As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you shall be. So prepare yourself to follow me, for I am with my Lord.”

Darlene was born in Gosnell to the late Gifford and Lula Sipes. she had four siblings who also preceded her in death, Leroy, Bernice, Diane and Gayle, and is survived by one sister, Freda Alford of Jonesboro.

Other survivors are her children, Terrence (Patricia) Watts of Fleming Island, Florida, Steven (Lela) Watts of Beebe and Darla (Bob) Henry of Cabot; granddaughter, Audra Watts of Conway; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held for Darlene on Saturday, September 30, at 11:30 a.m. at Green Hill Cemetery in Drew County, where she will be buried next to her husband. Rev. Nathan Hubbard will be officiating.

Memorials can be made to Open Arms Assembly of God, 1103 N. Fir St., Beebe, AR 72012.  Funeral arrangements are by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe.

The family would like to thank Mom’s caregivers during her last days, especially the three aides who helped her at home, Patricia, Kathy and Sheryl.