Leola Watts, 76, of Whiteville, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 22, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her family.

Leola was born on December 2, 1949, daughter of the late Bish Rueben Watts and Doretha Byrd Watts. She was the widow of Jackie Watts and was also preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Floyd Watts.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in the chapel of Worthington Funeral Home, with Pastor Eddie Carter and Pastor Buddy Seay officiating. Burial will follow in the Whiteville Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Leola faithfully attended New Life Community Church in Whiteville. She worked for many years with Interim Health Care, while also serving her family as a dedicated home-maker. 

The surviving family includes three children, Rose Watts (Kenny), Michael Jackie Watts (Brittany) and Mary Leanna Watts Godwin (Wendell), all of Whiteville; grandchildren, Michael Luke Watts, Carter Tate Watts, Kelsie Rae Watts, Wendell Nate Godwin, Jase Matthew Gore, and Noah Kelly Drees.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Liberty Hospice of Whiteville .