Malinda Sue Watts,70, was born May 11, 1951, to Mr. Allen Griffin and Mrs. Katha Mae Jackson Griffin in Columbia, Mississippi. She was a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast of more than 50 years. Mrs. Watts, an Education, Community Leader, and overall inspiration to many, departed this life, Sunday, August 8, 2021.

Mrs. Watts was a graduate of John J. Jefferson High School- Class of 1969. After graduation, she attended Tougaloo College (Gulf Coast Satellite Campus) where she received a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. It is important to note that Mrs. Watts completed her bachelor's Degree all while working as a Teacher's Assistant. This is the markings of a dedicated and committed lady.

Mrs. Watts was reared in the light of the United Methodist Church. She was member of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), where she served faithfully. Her service as a church member included being recognized as a Lifetime Member of the Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church and serving as the 8th Episcopal District Director of the Young People's Division. Mrs. Watts was firmly committed to the great commission, and she worked diligently to ensure good health, economic stability, peace, and justice to God's peoples.

"... Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..."

In addition to her commitment, in faith, Mrs. Watts served her community civically, as a member of the Order of The Eastern Star. Her communal reach far extended that of her church and local community. As a retired Educator, of 47 years, in the Gulfport School District, Mrs. Watts impacted the lives of my children, parents, and teachers. She was very instrumental in the Pilot Pre-K Forward program; a program intended to equip and prepare young children to be successful in grade school and beyond. There are numerous accolades and awards given to Mrs. Watts that speak to her commitment and dedication to her church and community, but the greatest of these were, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Hezzie Watts, Jr.

Mrs. Watts is survived by her loving sons, Cory Watts (Toy), Donovan Watts; six grandchildren, Steven, Zoey, Josie, Donovan, Jr., Tory, and Joy; one great grandchild, Cree; four sisters-in-law, Vertye Caples, Bertha Thigpen, Lavada Thomas, Dorothy (Robert) Watts; nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.