JOHANNA SUSANNA WATTS

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• I never met Johanna but I send best wishes and condolences to her family in Canada. My line of the Watts family branched off and travelled to Australia in 1856 and that is where I live today,with my wife Jean and son Stephen. - Posted by: Dennis Watts (Cousin) on: Dec 02, 2020

• Joey was a wonderful lady and she will be missed by all who knew her. She was always gracious and so appreciative of everything life had to offer. The pride she took in her grandchildren, Nika and Ethan, was enormous. She loved and admired you, Kelly, for your care and devotion to your family. The love she had for you Jackie was endless. Take pride in the care you gave your mother and know that she was grateful for everything you did. Please remember that she held you, loved you and comforted you as your life began and you held her, loved her and comforted her as her life ended. A perfect circle. Our deepest sympathies. - Posted by: Frank and Lorrie (Friends) on: Nov 23, 2015

• Dear Family and friends of Tannie Joey For me she was just Tannie (Aunt) Joey. Mom's best friend. I never knew Tannie Joey that well, as we lived quite far apart and were from very different backgrounds to a certain extent, but I knew her very well from my mother's narrative.  In my mother's mind, Joey was something like an angel.  She was adored. Whenever we met, I remember..................... That smile The laughter The utter joy to be alive The endless chatter and interest in whatever was at hand That spirit, how can it be forgotten? My mother, Hannetjie Smit, or as Joey called her, Han, were the best of friends. A friendship that surpassed decades and continents.  Joey and Han (Joey with her no-nonsense attitude just called her Han – no one else ever did) met during World War II, when they both filled posts in Government Offices vacated for soldiers fighting for the Allies. If the soldier returned, they had to vacate the post. They both remained in their respective posts (Mom said to me “the soldier decided to stay in Italy”, but I never believed her) until they got married and by the Law of the day had to resign. Joey to Andrew in 1948 and Han to Kerneels in 1952. Han was the only guest and witness at the wedding of Andrew and Joey in 1948, in the Bosman Street Dutch Reformed Church in Central Pretoria. The couple’s relatives could not attend because of distance, health and other issues. Han recalled the “reception” at Turkstra's (just the three of them with three bottles of very expensive champagne) so many times, I lost count. Needless to say they had enormous fun and of course headaches. The years went by and children were born and all was shared, mostly by telephone, as Andrew and Joey lived in Springs, and we in Pretoria North. Although very close by today's standards, it was quite distant then. The friendship never faltered. Joey eventually immigrated to Canada and mom was very upset, but the telephone and frequent visits from Joey to her two sons and children made it easier. I will never forget 22 January 2012, when by chance or by God's Grace, a surprise for mom turned out to be the last time Joey and Han met. It was the day when mom was a member of her church congregation for 70 years and the same day she met her husband Kerneels for the very first time (she was 14 and he 17).  By chance Joey was in Johannesburg. We arranged a small celebration after the morning service. I contacted Jacqueline by email and asked her to ensure that Joey call mom (she was very frail then) on the Sunday night. Little did I know, Joey was in South Africa. The rest was pure joy. When Han saw Joey, she had very little interest in all the rest of the celebrations. That was the last time they met as mom passed away on 1 July 2013. What a beautiful tale of real friendship surpassing distance, hardship and time. May the family and friends of Joey Watts, born on a simple Free State farm, but becoming such an icon and perfect lady, find peace in her remembrance. Daan Smit For Smit family (South Africa) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Posted by: Daan Smit (Friends of the family in South Africa) on: Nov 13, 2015

• may your journey bring you everlasting peace and joy. - Posted by: betty eliasson (friend) on: Nov 13, 2015