Doris E. Watts

Mrs. Doris Elizabeth Watts departed this earthly life on Thursday morning, May 1, 2025, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee with her son, Kenneth by her side. Age 89 years. She was born on Sunday, March 8, 1936, in Birmingham, Alabama, the daughter of James Alexander Campbell, Sr. and Salome Terrance Gray Campbell. She was a proud woman who lived through times of hardship and change, always carrying herself with grace, wisdom, and dignity. A true matriarch, she was the cornerstone of her family, nurturing generations with strength and love. Her warm spirit, unshakable faith, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Affectionately known as “Tee Doris” by the family or “Grandma” by those closest to her, she was the one people turned to for comfort, encouragement, and her famous sweet potato pie or Philadelphia cream cheese pound cake. She found joy in caring for others, and her door was always open to those in need.

Doris graduated from A.H Parker High School in 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama, prior to moving to Detroit, Michigan then later moved to Lansing, Michigan. She was a retiree of the State of Michigan as a Tax Examiner and a Union Representative for Local 6000, where she bargained contracts for State of Michigan employees. While living in Lansing, Michigan, Doris attended Galilee Baptist Church then later Morning Star Church of God in Christ where she was a Trustee, Deaconess, Sunday School Teacher, and served on many other auxiliaries in the church. She believed deeply in service, community, and lifting others up. Doris enjoyed listening to music, talking on the phone with her kids and siblings. Doris also enjoyed assisting single parents in the neighborhood in providing a safe place for kids to come after school and feeding anyone that was in need. Doris also enjoyed cooking and baking.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and perseverance. Doris leaves behind her 5 loving children, James (Joanne) Vaughn of Lansing, Michigan, Janet (Willie) Davis of Clarksville, Tennessee, Kenneth (Tracy) Vaughn of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Bridget Watts of DeWitt, Michigan and Renita Watts of Chicago, Illinois. Doris also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren and many other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, James E. Watts; grandson, Marquise Manns II; great granddaughter, Taylor Brooks; parents, James A. Sr. and Salome Campbell; brothers, James A. Campbell, Jr. and Charles Joseph Campbell; and sister, Ethel Brooks.

Though she may no longer walk among us, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. Her life was a testament to the power of love, family, and faith. We are better because we were loved by her.