Sarah Rose Watts, retired nurse
Sarah Rose (Martin-Atkins) Watts, 86, of Millsboro, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 15, 2023. She was born Dec. 6, 1936, in Wilmington, to Paul Wesley Burris and Rose Mary (Petangelo).
Sarah was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Joanne Faragher and Lucille Burris; her spouse, Lee Atkins; grandchildren, Frances Martin and Alexandra Wagner; and her beloved fur baby, Asher.
Sarah became a nurse at 50. She worked as an RN, mostly in home healthcare, working in Delaware, Montana, and Florida. She retired her nursing license at 72 years old. Sarah never met a stranger and would quickly begin conversations with anyone, anywhere. She was generous and would give the shirt off her back to someone in need. She was an avid reader and a talented crocheter, making an array of blankets, scrubbies, sweaters, hats, bags, etc. Sarah enjoyed flowers, gardening, and watching the birds gather at her bedroom window feeders. She was always an animal advocate, and was a proud and devoted dog mom to her beloved fur baby, Cocoa, whom she spoiled and kept by her side.
Sarah is survived by her six children: Rosanne Jones of Edgewater, Md., Deborah (Jerry) Flaherty of Millsboro, Jeanne (Mike) Markiewicz of Wilmington, Cindi Starr of Wilmington, Ronnie Martin of Millsboro, and Vicki (David) Wagner of Palm Bay, Fla.; her 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends behind.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, June 26, at Old Paths Church of Christ cemetery, 18295 Redden Road, Georgetown.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Sarah’s memory to Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 Dupont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947, bvspca.org.
Arrangements provided by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
Electronic condolences via watsonfh.com.
