Helen Owensby Watts

Helen Owensby Watts, a beloved matriarch and dedicated member of her community, passed away peacefully on March 1 2025, at the North East Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. She was born on March 22, 1938, in Commerce, Georgia, and left behind a legacy characterized by her unwavering love for her family and her strong work ethic. 

Helen dedicated many years of her life to Harmony Grove Mills, where her hard work and dedication greatly contributed to the success of the business and the well-being of her colleagues. Her tireless spirit and steadfast commitment to her work mirrored the deep love she held for her family, which remained her highest priority throughout her life.

She is survived by her sons, Ray Hanley (Marsha), Hubert Hanley, who carry forward her values of dedication and resilience. Helen will also be remembered fondly by her brother, James Owensby, and her sister, Jane Gaines, both of whom shared in her life's journey and cherished moments spent together as a family. Her legacy will continue to live on through the lives of her six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Heartbreakingly, Helen now joins her sons, Billy Owensby, Calvin Shadrick, and her cherished siblings, Dillard Owensby, Frank Owensby, and Lois Cowart, as well as her sisters, Ruth Payne, and her late husband, Bobby Watts. She was the cherished daughter of Hubert and Grace Vaughn Owensby, who nurtured her with love and instilled in her the strong values she carried with her throughout her life.

The family will receive friends at Ivie Funeral Home on Monday, March 3rd, 2025 from 1:00-2:00PM. Funeral Services will take place at 2:00PM in the Ivie Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Clint Harper officiating. Interment will follow in Grey Hill Cemetery. 

Helen's legacy is one of dedication, love, and family. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her, not only for her hard-working spirit but also for her warm heart that brought joy to those around her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who are forever grateful for the time they shared with such an extraordinary woman.