Joann Watts

Joann “Wowo” Watts, 67, passed on peacefully on July 21, 2025 with her family by her side. She was born to Geraldine and Joseph Miller Sr. on July 3, 1958 in New Haven.

Joann graduated from Wilbur Cross High School and attended Gateway Community College as a Business major. She had an array of employment throughout her life but what truly brought her joy was being a manager of a laundromat and the Laughing Cow on Howard Ave where she met so many people and formed many connections that have lasted more than a lifetime.

Joann had many interests. She loved sewing and she loved knitting, but what she did best was take care of her children and her family. When life served lemons, Joann made the best lemonade, often being the one who cared for the sick and gave a safe and loving home to everyone in need.

Joann “WoWo” Watts was a saint and truly a Gift from God to her family and community. An honorable woman in all ways, her legacy will continue to live on through the abundance of family members left behind to carry on her memory. Joann leaves behind her children Chenal McBride (Eric), Casey Miller (Kristy), Fallon Streater (Calvin), Carlisa Watts (Marrieo), Sherrita Hodges (daughter in law). As well as her grand children Gary, Venecia, Courtney, Koby, Tatiania, Corey, Talib, Scottie Jr, Myson, Quran, Kaitrel, Savion, Daelon, Calvin Jr, Liselle, Lynnaia, Caseeyr, Menyelek, Amara, Sir’Carta, Jalisa, Kaaze, Callie, Zellah, and great grandson Malakai. As well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. She is survived by her siblings Charles Miller of California, Elizabeth Miller, Kim Jones, and Barbara Morgan, all of New Haven.

Joann was predeceased by her parents and grandparents, her husband Carl Watts, her son Gary Otis Bond Jr, sister Lillian Miller and brother Joseph Miller.

Visitation will be held on Monday Evening, July 28, 2025 at Colonial Funeral Home, 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut from 4pm-6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial of Joann’s life will be Celebrated on Tuesday Morning, July 29, 2025 at St. Aedan Church of Blessed Michael McGivney Parish, 112 Fountain street, New Haven CT 06515, at 10am. Following the service Joann will be laid to rest at Hamden Plains Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at colonialfunerals.com.

The Acknowledgement:

Special thanks to the Watts, Baines, and Miller family for all that they’ve done during this difficult time. May God continue to bless you