Judith Ann Watts

Judith Ann Nicholson Watts, age 83 of Jackson, TN passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Jackson Madison County General Hospital surrounded by her husband and children.

Judith was born on September 4, 1943, in Gorman, TN to Harry Porter Nicholson and Myrtle Henrietta Parker Nicholson.

She grew up in Humphrey’s County TN in the Gorman community but spent much of her childhood in Dickson County on the family farm near Yellow Creek. She was a 1961 graduate of McEwen High School where she played basketball. She married her high school sweetheart, Doug Watts, in 1962. They would have been married 64 years next month.

Doug and Judith were a dynamic duo in that they lived, worked and served the Lord together every single day. When you saw one, the other was always nearby. Judith enjoyed fishing, traveling, playing Rook and serving her church. Most of all, she loved spending time at the farm on Yellow Creek, especially on the Fourth of July. She was an active member of West Jackson Baptist Church, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Over the years, she served her church by volunteering at Vacation Bible School, the Hartland Ministry and Disaster Relief Ministries.

Judith had many different careers throughout her life including time as an operator at South Central Bell, Acme Boot Company, managing skating centers in Waverly and Dickson, TN in the late 60’s to early 70’s, and Hostess at First Baptist Church in McKenzie, TN. She owned and operated The Skating Place in Milan, TN and Magic Wheels Skating Center in Jackson, TN. Her most loved career was owning her skating centers which fulfilled a childhood dream of hers. She loved skating as a child and was so proud to have been in the skating industry. Owning The Skating Place was her greatest joy and allowed her to become a “mother” to all the kids in the community.

Judith lived her life to serve others. She went above and beyond to meet the needs of others and help them in their time of need. She lived her life according to Hebrews 13:2 which says, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some have unwittingly entertained angels”. She lived this verse as a commandment and took every opportunity to serve others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Porter Nicholson and Myrtle Henrietta Parker Nicholson and her brother, Jerry Noel Nicholson. She is survived by her loving husband Hiram Douglas Watts of Jackson, TN, her three children William Douglas Edward Watts of Jackson, TN,  David Terry Watts (Lisa) of Wildersville, TN and Jennifer Ann Watts Rhea (Charles) of Jackson, TN. She leaves behind seven grandchildren, Weston David Watts, Stanton Campbell Watts, Evan McClain Watts (Adriana), Meredith Ann Watts Barker (Weston), Copeland Allen Rhea, Landon Stockard Rhea and Walker Brents-Douglas Rhea and her favorite “grand dog” Dexter.

Arrangements are as follows:

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 pm with funeral service to follow at Arrington Funeral Directors.

A small service will proceed the burial Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Edgewood Cemetery in Dickson, TN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Jackson Baptist Church or Samaritan’s Purse.