Erine K (James) Watts

Erine Kay Watts (formerly James) died on January 12, 2022 at the age of 62 at Genesis Hospice-Morrison House in Zanesville, Ohio, ending her 12-year-long battle with cancer. Erine was born on August 21, 1959 to Jerry Lee and Dorothy Marlene James. Erine married her high school sweetheart on May 17, 1980. They spent nearly 42 years faithfully by each others’ sides until Erine’s death.

Throughout her adult years, Erine dedicated her life to service in areas that became synonymous with her identity. She served the Zanesville community as a CT scan and x-ray technician at Genesis Healthcare for 42 years until she retired in December 2020. Also, early in her adult life, Erine and Jeff joined Maranatha Bible Church, where Erine quickly integrated herself into the community and found faith in God. Both publicly and privately, Erine devoted much of her time serving her newfound Savior. Through decades of faith and church attendance, Erine never stood on a stage singing or speaking, but could always be found behind the scenes, helping in the kitchen, gym, or wherever was needed. At home, the rising sun over her backyard greeted Erine each morning through the patio door as she read her Bible and spent time in prayer at the dining room table.

Erine’s greatest accomplishment, and the most inspiring part of her life of service, proved to be her fierce love for her family. In 2010, Erine was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and battled the disease for the next 12 years, enduring several surgeries and round after round of chemotherapy. None of this horrific experience, however, could dissuade Erine from being present for her family. Despite the cancer and ever-present side effects of chemo, Erine and Jeff traveled coast to coast, and even internationally, multiple times to be with their children’s families. When first diagnosed with cancer, Erine expressed worry that she might not live to see her grandchildren grow. She endured much to ensure that would not be true, and became our beloved “Mamaw.” By the time Erine died, she had become an influential person in all seven of her grandchildren’s lives.

Erine is survived by her husband, Jeff; brother, Eric (Cheryl) James; daughter, Beth (Ethan) Shields; son, Kyle (Bridget) Watts; and seven grandchildren, Elena, Noah, Sofia, Julia, Grayson, Londyn, and Everly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Marlene James. 

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Friday January 14, 2022 at William Thompson & Son Funeral Home 5765 Gladstone Drive White Cottage. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 15, 2022 at Maranatha Bible Church 2400 Chandlersville Road Zanesville where friends may call  from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. Pastor Chris Brown officiating. Burial will be in Zanesville Memorial Park.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Erine K (James) Watts, please visit our floral store.