Dovie Anderson Watts, 63, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2024 at the Baptist DeSoto Memorial Hospital in Southaven.

Services to honor and celebrate Dovie’s life will be held at Wells Funeral Home in Batesville on June 22. A Memorial Gathering will take place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:30 p.m. The inurnment will follow the service at Shiloh Cemetery in Courtland.

Dovie was born on January13, 1961, in Memphis,  to the late James Houston Hardy, Sr. and Sarah Gwendolyn Ledford Hardy. She led a fulfilling life characterized by her dedication to serving others. She worked as a Pope School Bus Driver for nearly 30 years, touching the lives of countless children with her kindness and care. Additionally, she devoted her time and skills as a cosmetologist and served as the head of the nursery at Batesville Presbyterian Church.

A woman of many talents and interests, Dovie earned her Cosmetology degree and thrived in various pursuits. Her hobbies included fishing, canning foods, gardening, mowing the grass, reading, cooking, and indulging in cross-stitching. She found joy in nurturing young minds as she cared for her school bus kids and children in general. Dovie was also an enthusiastic member of a bowling league, traveling across the United States to participate in tournaments.

The loving family Dovie leaves behind to remember her include her children, Bradley Dean of Fort Worth, TX, Bridgitt Anderson of Batesville,  and Heather Anderson of Cleveland; her step-children, Kelly Watts (Doug) of Kentucky, and Zack Watts (Caren) of Chandler, AZ; her companion, Jamie Crawford of Batesville; one grandson, Patrick Dean of Fort Worth, TX; two brothers, George “Chip” Hardy (Mitzi) and David Hardy (Melanie) both of Batesville; her step-mother, Pat Hardy of Batesville; her step-brother, Todd Goforth of Memphis; her nieces and nephews, Allison Hardy Coulton (Kirk) of Bentonia,  Lee Hardy (Crystal) of Senatobia,  Hannah Martindale of Cleburn, TX, Audra Lott (Mark) of Batesville,  Molly Marascalco of Madison,   and Tays Hardy (Tori) of Batesville; as well as three great nephews and four great nieces.

Along with parents, Dovie is welcomed in heaven by her husband, Travis Watts; her brother, James “Jimbo” Houston Hardy; and the father of her two daughters, James Silas “Si” Anderson.

Known for her compassionate and kind nature, Dovie touched the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her friendly demeanor and loving spirit brightened the lives of those around her. She lived a simple yet profound life that left a lasting impact on her community.