Jesse Derrick "Redd" Watts

Jesse Derrick "Redd" Watts

Jesse Derrick Watts, better known to everyone as "Derrick" or "Redd", rolled on to his next big adventure on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Ochsner Medical Center Westbank, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was 59 years young and a man who could light up any room with his jokes, his art, or his smile.

Born on December 30, 1965, to Bernadine Encalade Watts and the late Jesse Walker Watts, Redd lived life full throttle.
A man of many skills and passions, he worked for Pepsi, was a self-employed truck driver, and the proud owner of Redd's Hobby Shop where his creativity, craftsmanship, and humor came together daily. A talented artist and automobile body shop guru, Redd could fix just about anything on wheels and if it couldn't be fixed, he'd sketch it better and make you laugh about it.
He was known for his wit, his one-liners, and his ability to make friends anywhere he parked. Whether he was behind the wheel, under a hood, or sketching something new, Redd lived with joy, laughter, and love.

Derrick leaves to cherish his memory, his children–Brandy (Edward) Howard, Di'Andra (Ryan) Hebert Keys, Khalilah, and Jessica; his beloved grandchildren–Da'Kari, Ry'Lee, and DeKlan Keys, and Olivia, Noa, Ella, and Andrew Bryant; his devoted mother–Bernadine Encalade Watts; his brother–Cedric Sr. (Roxanne) Watts; his sisters–Babette Larry of Greenville, Mississippi, and Suzette Moore of Maryland; a nephew Cedric Jr. (Jane'); a niece–Jasmyne Watts (Ryan); a goddaughter–Gelon Cosse'; great- nieces and nephews; cousins; coworkers; and lifelong friends who will forever remember his laughter, loyalty, and love.

He was preceded in death by his father–Jesse Walker Watts, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Service at Murray Henderson Funeral Home, 1209 Teche Street, New Orleans, LA 70114, on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
The Visitation will be at 9:00 AM.
The Celebration of Life Service will be at 10:00 AM.

Pastor Dudley Watson, from Mount Sinai Baptist Church, will officiate.
The Repast will follow at OJ Dunn Hall, 1100 Cook Street, Gretna, LA 70053.

Professional Arrangements are entrusted to Murray Henderson Funeral Home, 1209 Teche Street, New Orleans, LA 70114.

Redd's final message to his loved ones:

"ALL GAS NO BRAKES."