Eloise "Madea" Watts-Evans was born to the union of Early Watts Sr., and Ida Robinson-Watts, she was the youngest of nine children. Eloise was a happy child she loved her brothers and sisters and was especially close to Early Jr. known as EW, together they loved to dance and have fun so much, so they are infamous for their friendship with the legendary Fats Domino. Whenever he would come to town, he would send a limousine for them. Although she was often the life of the party, she was always serious about her family, a theme that followed throughout her entire life.
Madea was born in Newton Mississippi, later the family relocated to Walnut Grove Mississippi, where she completed her schooling in the Mississippi School System. Madea had a zeal and flair for hair styling and upon arriving in New Orleans she attended and completed Beauty School. She was known for her famous Shirley Temple curls for not only her girls but other families in the wards in New Orleans.
Madea was a very spiritual woman, three of her brothers were pastors, and were a strong influence on her life. Her daughter Rachel remembers often waking up in the middle of the night to Madea singing prayers in such a powerful way as if heaven would open up upon hearing her. She was very open and committed about her worship as a Jehovah Witness, and a Chrisitan during her lifetime.
The beginning of 1946 Madea married Clyde Evans Sr., together they started their family. Madea had seven children between 1946-1968, she was a loving mother and protector of all her children. She was faithful to God, and she passed that to her children who passed it to their children.
Madea was the storyteller in the family, during family gatherings she would often be asked to recount funny stories of individuals in and around the Family, that would always leave them cracking up. Daughter Lula Jean fondly remembers her mom as a "Gum Popper" and "Ice Chopper" for her habit of popping gum and chewing ice.
A fantastic Cook she was renowned for her homemade biscuit and syrup recipes, her peach cobbler, fried chicken, celery chicken, banana pudding, dirty rice and of course gumbo, all done by memory and scratch. These family favorites were used to nourish not only her children but her grands and great grandchildren and neighbors. Yes, her dishes were often requested by neighbors and Madea never disappointed in the deliciousness of any of her homemade meals.
Madea followed her brothers to Colorado in October 1972, and prospered until the age of 95, well according to her 96 years old lol. She had a special relationship with nieces, Earnestine, Ruthie, Jennette, Tressa and Neda, as they would often take her out to lunch and spend time with her. She would have annual visits from nieces Ruby and Willie Mae and from out of state.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Ida Robinson Watts; father, Early Watts Sr, Brothers: Frank Watts, Mack Watts, Rev Milton Watts, Rev Jessman Watts, Rev Early Watts Jr,; Sisters: Ethel Chapman, Effie Lee Watts Evans, Dessera Norman.
On May 20th 2022, The Lord was calling but Madea waited until her three daughters and her niece Patricia from New Orleans were surrounding her, and then she drew her last breath in their loving presence. She leaves to cherish her precious memory: Daughters Lula Jean Evans-Bynog, Barbara Ann (Elder Billy) Longino, Rachel (Pastor Terrence) Hughes, a host of Nieces, Nephews, and 19 Grandkids, 49 Great Grand Kids, and 8 Great Great Grandkids.