Brian Jerome Watts
Sunrise March 6, 1961
Sunset July 28, 2024
Brian J. Watts was born on March 6, 1961 to Dorothy Leona Watts and Lawrence W. Congo, III. Brian was the cherished brother of his siblings Victoria F. Gregory, Margo I. Watts, Larry M. Watts, Michael R. Watts and Theresa D. Watts, and was raised by his loving mother and stepfather, Carl E. Harvey in Pleasantville, New Jersey. Brian was the proud father of daughters LaTeisha Bell-Watts (daughter of Sylvia Bell, d.) and LaShonda Sanderlin (daughter of Barbara Sanderlin, d.). He was the joyful grandfather to his only grandchild, Kayden Williams. Brian was married to Pamela Wright Watts.
Brian was a manager at AC Linen Supply in Atlantic City for many years, but spent most of his life creating beautifully landscaped yards with cherished cousins of the Gunter family, including close cousins Dean, Michael, “Big Ben” and Tyrone Gunter. Brian also spent many years moving furniture with cousins Floyd Watts and Carlos Davis. Brian and his cousins shared many wonderful laughs and memories throughout the years while working together.
Brian was known and loved by friends and family alike. He was a generous person, protective of others, had a big heart, loved music (R&B and smooth jazz), nature and the outdoors, and all living creatures and animals. He grew up reading National Geographic and always had a curious appreciation for animals. Brian loved football, basketball, bikes and all foods. His wife would always say, “Your greedy brother ate all of the ice cream” or cake or whatever delicious thing was in the house. Brian was a social butterfly. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. It was rare to walk down the street with Brian without people calling out, “Hey Buster!” Brian was easy-going and had a warmth that seemed to unite people. Even sworn enemies would sometimes set aside their grievances when Brian was around because of his good energy. Brian was fair and balanced, and was respected by both his employees and bosses because he always rolled up his sleeves and focused on the job to be done. People just liked Brian. They loved him. They held affection for him. They gravitated toward him. Brian was physically strong, but tender-hearted. He loved a good laugh, but he was also seriously protective of others. He did not, and would not tolerate any disrespect of loved ones, nor strangers.
During the pandemic, Brian would buy food, prepare bag lunches and walk the streets of Atlantic City feeding the homeless. Businesses had been shuttered, so people who may have normally found shelter and food in the casinos were now on the streets. Brian would say, “Jokers are starving out here! I gotta feed ‘em.” He walked up and down the streets serving sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookies, drinks, etc. and showed his grandson Kayden what service to others looked like. Brian loved Kayden with all of his heart and took him everywhere with him—to the barber shop, mosques, playgrounds, movies, family visits and delivering meals to the homeless. Brian’s face would light up whenever he saw Kayden or heard him say, “Pop Pop, are you coming to get me?”
Brian was fortunate to be surrounded in life and in death by a strong, caring and loving family. The village of parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, children, grands, in-laws, friends and loved ones all mourn his loss and are so thankful for the time that we had with him. Brian was especially surrounded by strong men—uncles, cousins, parents and grandparents who instilled in him sound moral values and service to others. Brian is pre-deceased by his little brother, Larry M. Watts, whose death he mourned every single day.
Brian is survived by his wife, Pamela Wright Watts, mother Dorothy L. Watts, stepfather Carl E. Harvey, sisters Victoria L. Gregory, Margo I. Watts, Theresa D. Watts, brother Michael R. Watts, daughters LaTeisha Bell-Watts and LaShonda Sanderlin, cherished grandson Kayden Williams, a host of nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law Kelly Wright and Rusty Wright, sister-in-law Stacy Wright, stepson James Wright and several step-grandchildren.
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