Hilda Watts

Hilda Fay Lunceford Watts, age 86, of Northport, Ala., died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on August 10, 2025. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. with services beginning at 2 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, at Campground Methodist Church with Rev. Paul Wilson officiating. Burial to follow services immediately in the church cemetery. Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North will be directing.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, William Watts; her parents, Melvin P. & Temperance Lunceford; sister, Annette Watkins; brother, Gaines Lunceford; and nephew, Larry Watkins.

She is survived by her daughter, Sonya Watts; son, Kevin Watts (Robin); grandson, Drew Watts; granddaughter, Karley Perry (Alex); and great-granddaughter, Lillian Watts. Hilda is also survived by her brother, Donald Lunceford (Barbara); brother in-law, Jerry Watts (Kaye); and many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

Hilda was born in Samantha, AL on October 21, 1938, the third of four children. She was a graduate of Gorgas High School where she was a member of the cheer team. After high school, she met and married the love of her life, William. Together they raised their family in the Northside/Samanatha community. She was a loyal member of Campground Methodist Church, United Methodist Women's Group, the Gorgas Homemakers Club, and supporter of the Northside Lions Club, Samantha Fire Department, Northside Athletics, and Northside Band Boosters.

She was a sales lady for Avon and retired from the Tuscaloosa News after 19 years in 1997. She spent her later years gardening, spending time with her family, and vacationing to her second home in Orange Beach with her husband.

Pallbearers will be Drew Watts, Alex Perry, Kenneth Watts, Jeff Lunceford, John Gaskins, Mike Montgomery, Darryl Guy, Bart Watkins, and Kevin Mills.

Honorary pallbearers will be the past and present employees of the Tuscaloosa News, members of Campground Methodist Church, members of the Northside Lions Club, employees of Alabama Hospice Care of Tuscaloosa, special niece Sherry Lunceford, and special caregiver Wanda Smith.

Hilda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her family and friends have many wonderful, dear, and funny memories of the times spent with her. She will be greatly missed but we are comforted in knowing she is with her Heavenly Father and those who have gone on before us.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Campground Methodist Church, P.O. Box 126, Samantha, AL 35482, Northside Lions Club, P.O. Box 22, Samantha, AL 35482, or your favorite organization of choice.