Darnell Watts

Darnell Watts was born November 14, 1962, and made his transition on November 7, 2020. With his wife and children by his side, under the direction of Bishop Jonathan McReynolds, Darnell confessed his hope in Christ and became a member of The Oakley Full Baptist Church. During his long battle with Multiple Myeloma, Darnell fought a good fight, finished his course, kept the faith, and now laid up before him a crown of righteousness…2 Timothy 4:7,8a

Darnell was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Willie, Jr. and Lenora Benard Watts. The Watts Family moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where Darnell attended Muskegon Public Schools, involving himself in various sports and leading Muskegon High School to several basketball championships. After graduation in 1980, Darnell moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he earned an Associate’s Degree from DeVry University as an Electronics Technician.  In 1986, Darnell graduated from DeVry University with honors and achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, while also serving as President of the Black United Students (BUS) organization.   Completing his college internship with Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) in 1987, he was hired fulltime and soon was promoted to management. An entrepreneur, as well as a computer technician, Darnell combined his IT profession with ownership of Basic Black, a downtown Columbus clothing boutique selling men’s leather coats and clothing, before teaming up with his sister, Lorraine Nelson, to expand the boutique into one carrying women’s attire.  Their success landed them a front-page article in the “Columbus Woman” magazine.

Eventually Darnell solely focused on Information Technology, a profession in which he excelled, with industry experience in Retail, Education and Manufacturing. In 2000 Darnell launched his own company, ABATA (American Business and Technology Alliance, LLC), bringing his technology consulting skills to the support of many businesses. Recently he was employed as a Systems Analyst at Ford Automotive Company in Sharonville Ohio, until he was no longer able to work.

A devoted and proud father of 3 sons 1 step son, Darnell often helped his children with their homework, coached their football and basketball teams, always appreciating the opportunities to have fun with his boys. Darnell’s energy knew no bounds, for despite his career’s growth, Darnell found time to delve into various projects, including the renovation of a 3-unit apartment building into a massive, historical, single-family home, in which he’d often recruit his sons and brothers to assist him.

While contracting at Nationwide Insurance, over a lunch hour Darnell met his soulmate, Bonnie Hill, and invited her to go for a walk, whose first steps led to their walking together as one. “A Royal Wedding” uniting them in Holy Matrimony was held on September 2, 2017.  

To cherish his memories, Darnell leaves his loving wife, Bonnie Michelle Watts; three sons, DarSean Watts, DeRon Watts and Coreion Watts, of Columbus, OH;  six brothers, Roosevelt (Sharon) Watts of Minden, LA, Monroe Watts of Dallas, TX, Donnie Elmore of Vicksburg, MS, Tommy (Charlene) Watts, Eddie (Dorothy) Watts, and Melvin (Tawanda) Watts, all of Muskegon, MI; three sisters, Lorraine (Tim) Nelson of Westchester, PA, Gloria Watts-Braxton of Muskegon, MI, and Barbara Watts-Woods of Grand Rapids, MI; father-in-law, Wille Woods, mother-in-law, Clara Greenlee, brother-in-law, David Greenlee, all of Waukegan, IL;  three sisters-in-law, Crystal (Gary) Bond of Jackson, TN, Lenora Woods and  Kimberly Woods of Waukegan, IL, and  Latrice (Willie) Lewis of  Atlanta, GA; God-daughter Moriah Morris of Columbus, OH; close friends, Tommie Lee and Tammy Mitchell of Columbus, OH; and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews, Great-nieces and Great-nephews and Great-great nieces and Great-great nephews.

Waiting on Darnell with open arms are his parents Willie, Jr. and Lenora Watts, along with his Bonus Son Tyler Matthew Curtis Hill, nephew Donald Watts, and great-nephew Quadair Watts.

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