Alice “Jean” Cummings Watts, 84, peacefully died Sunday, June 20th, surrounded by family. Jean was a Huntsville native and the eldest daughter of Vastus and Milton Cummings. After graduating from Huntsville High School, she attended Mount Vernon College and the University of Alabama, Huntsville, where she studied Political Science.
Jean was one of those rare breeds who seemed to have more hours in the day than most. Her work ethic was formed at an early age, working for her father, and although she continued to work throughout her life, eventually retiring from a successful career at ERA Ben Porter Real Estate, she found time for her favorite hobbies; tennis, golf, and bridge. But even more important than work and fun was philanthropy. The importance of giving back was ingrained into her as a young girl.
In addition to holding several positions, as well as, president of the Junior League of Huntsville, she served on a number of volunteer boards, including the Volunteer Center, Huntsville/Madison County Senior Center, Child Health Improvement / United Way, the Huntsville Achievement School, the Huntsville Land Trust, and the Arts Council. More often than not, as a founding or charter member. She believed that everyone deserved a chance, being especially mindful of those who come into the world with little hope of one. Among her many accolades, she was honored with the Grace Award by the Grace Club and the Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award by the National Council, for her work promoting civic cooperation and mutual understanding among all people, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background.
And if that’s not enough, she could have hands down won the grandmother award every single year. She loved her grandchildren and all eight of them loved her back. She shared her love of hiking with them and for many years, even showed them how to bring in the New Year with hats and streamers and plenty of noise-makers. She was also a great cook and only burned down the kitchen four or so times.
Jean grew up attending Central Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday school for a number of years, but in her later years, as a caregiver for her husband, Dick, she enjoyed watching a variety of services on the television. She very much took to heart the teachings of Jesus, and His teachings shaped every aspect of her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard P. Watts, her sister, Carol Ann Samples, and her son, Milton “Brian” Watts. Survivors include two sons, Steve Watts (Linda) and John Watts (Wimberley); eight grandchildren, Daniel Watts (Melissa), Laura Jean Cooper, Edward Watts (Leslie), Alice Kathryn Myers (Paul), Sarah Watts, Preston Watts, Christopher Watts, Miles Watts; sister, Nancy Cummings; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with the Reverend Michael Goldsmith officiating. A reception will follow in Ridley Hall at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity.
Her family would like to give a special thanks to her recent team of caregivers led by Jennifer Colburn and her long-term caregiver, Denise Ford. The family would also like to acknowledge the care provided by the Huntsville Hospital 7th Floor nursing staff, (Dwight and Mary) and Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care, (Alicia, Becky, Elizabeth, and Lance).
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care, 10000 Serenity Lane, 35803, or to the charity of your choosing.
