Mary Montague Watts

Mary Norma Montague Watts, age 84, ascended to her Heavenly Father on June 29 at Springmoor Life Care Retirement Center.  Born in Johnston County near Clayton, NC, she was the daughter of Roger and Barbara Gulley Montague.  Mary was a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church for more than 50 years.  She was a graduate of Wilsons Mills High School in 1949 and Womans College (now UNC-G) in 1953 with a degree in Primary Education.  After graduating from college, Mary married Charles Watts, Jr. and taught in Raleigh City Schools before starting a family. Mary loved music from an early age.  She could hear any song and immediately sit down at the piano and play it.  She took great pleasure in providing spontaneous concerts for family and friends.  Not only did Mary play the piano but she also played the organ, ukulele, and the accordion.  Her talents extended to baking as well.  Mary could appeal to the sweet tooth in all with her desserts that included chocolate meringue pie, lemon chess pie, and her specialty, caramel cake. Mary had an innate zest for life. Even through various health challenges that included 19 years coping with Parkinson’s Disease, Mary always managed to persevere with a smile and was more concerned about others well-being than her own. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Laura Watts (Wolfgang Engels) of Advance, NC, Barbara Gaul (Chuck), and 1 grandchild, David Gaul of Raleigh, NC.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Watts, Jr. and her sister, Jaylee Montague Mead. Mary fully embraced her new life and all the many special friends she made at Springmoor where she moved in 2010.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Springmoor for their kindness and support. The family will receive friends at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church at 10 am, prior to the service at 11 am on Thursday, July 2. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 3000 East Garner Rd. Raleigh, NC 27610 or to ones favorite charity.