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Joseph "Pop" Watts Jr.

Joseph "Pop" Watts Jr. obituary, Lansing, MI

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Riley Funeral Home - Lansing

426 West St. Joseph Street

Lansing, Michigan

Joseph Watts Obituary

Joseph "Pop" Watts, Jr. Lansing Age 73, transitioned to eternal life on March 8, 2011. He and his wife, Valencia have lived in Lansing more than 45 years and raised 4 children. He retired from General Motors in 1999 after 37 years and was a member of Galilee Baptist Church for more than 40 years. Joe was involved in amateur boxing as a member of the Brewster Center in the 1950s and was a Golden Glove Boxing Champion, 1955 - 1960. As a professional boxer he had a 19/1 record and was inducted into the Michigan Golden Gloves Hall of Fame in 2006. By coaching and instructing boxing at Lansing Community College and the Crown Boxing Club, Joe used his love for boxing to mentor and mold the lives of countless young people in the Lansing community. Survivors include, his wife of 50 years, Valencia; daughters, Cheryl (Tony) Lenoir and Valencia T Watts, both of Lansing; sons, Joseph (Bridgett) Watts, III of Hawaii and Mark Watts of California; granddaughters, Randelle Lenoir of Lansing and Tiffany Cantu of Texas; grandsons, Rynnon Lenoir of Lansing and Daniel Watts of Hawaii; great-grandson, Gabriel Cantu Lenoir of Lansing; other relatives and friends. Friends may visit Mr. Watts Tuesday, March 15, 12 - 9 p.m. at the Riley Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 16, 12 p.m., at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, 3403 Franette Rd, Lansing, Pastor Kirklin D. Hall, Sr. officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the funeral.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Mar. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Watts

Not sure what to say?





Karen D. Peaks

March 9, 2025

Dearest Family,
We continue to lift you and your family before the Lord in the passing of Joseph "Pops" Watts. Anniversary dates are always hard. But God's grace gets us through. Blessings, Peace and Love, the CWWT Family Reunions along with Cousins Darrel and Karen D Peaks

March 16, 2011

Val and family, I was so honored to know Joe through the hill toppers center....i have some great memories..such an amazing man! he will be deeply missed an i'm praying for your comfort...Tammie Trimmer

Vickie Price

March 16, 2011

Ms Val, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My sincere and heartfelt condolences. I know that God will give you the strength you need during this time. He has gone to a better place. Vickie(Paradise MBC)

Dorothy Washington

March 15, 2011

My deepest condolences and prayers are sent to the Watts Family in their time of bereavement!!! May God unchanging hand continue to hold you and strengthen you!

The Lewis Calvin Family

March 15, 2011

Mark and the Watts Family... My family send our deepest prayers and condolences to you all during this time. Remember the good times, the laughter, hugs, and smiles, it's what keeps the heart warm. God Bless.

The Coach Joneses

March 15, 2011

Look up at all times and focus on the goodness of our heavenly father to keep you and the family strong.GOD bless.

pamela frei

March 15, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I knew Mr. Watt's years ago when coached boxing with my father Jim Anderson. Wonerful person.

Pamela Anderson-Frei

Kevin McGhee

March 15, 2011

There are no words to express my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time; May the love of family and friends comfort you.

Aleyce Joshua

March 14, 2011

My deepest condolences are with you during this time. I pray to give you the strength during this difficult time. If there is anything I can do now or in the future please let me know. Love you.

Mary Smith-Bolling

March 14, 2011

You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you

Lenora Taylor & Ada Billingsley

March 14, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow.

Fay Curtis

March 14, 2011

May our Heavenly Father be your pillow as you rest your burdens upon him during this hour of bereavement. He is able to sustain you and comfort you. Your family is in my prayers, and I pray for your strength and comfort during this difficult time.uj

Karen D. Peaks

March 14, 2011

On behalf of the CWWT (Carey, Waller, Watts and Taylor) Family Reunions, we offer our condolences to the family. Our prayers are with you.

Blessings, Peace and Love,
C. "Neil" Henderson, National President
Bruce A. Martin, National V.P.
Karen D. Peaks, National Secretary
Lawrence Carey, National Treasurer

Tamaria (Tami) Scott

March 14, 2011

I offer my deepest condolences to the Watts Family. I know that words can't begin to heal. I will say that "Pops" did leave a lasting impression in all that came in contact with him. I can say that my memories of him extend all the way back to my childhood at Galilee Baptist Church. Stand firm in knowing God will comfort you always!

Love and miss you all!!

Tamaria (Tami) Scott

March 14, 2011

I offer my deepest condolences to the Watts Family. I know that words can't begin to heal. I will say that "Pops" did leave a lasting impression in all that came in contact with him. I can say that my memories of him extend all the way back to my childhood at Galilee Baptist Church. Stand firm in knowing God will comfort you always!

Love and miss you all!!

Douglas Simmer

March 13, 2011

Douglas Simmer

May Joe be in Glory with his Lord, Jesus. May the conforter be with his family and his memory never forgotten.
I worked with Joe for many years at GM in the paint Dept.

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Riley Funeral Home - Lansing

426 West St. Joseph Street, Lansing, MI 48933

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