[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31325]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING CORPORAL SYLVESTER WATTS (RETIRED)

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2009

  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, this communication is 
forwarded on behalf of the constituents of Congressional District Three 
and myself as we pay tribute to the life of Corporal Sylvester Watts 
(Retired). We are all saddened that Sylvester is gone, but joyful that 
he has gone to be with his Heavenly Father.
  Sylvester Watts was born October 8, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois to the 
late Pastor Van B. and Missionary Ruby Watts. He was the youngest of 11 
children; his parents, three brothers and one sister, Rufus, Reverend 
Roosevelt, John and Otha, made their transition from life-mortal ahead 
of him. He transitioned to await the resurrection on November 29, 2009 
at his home in Chicago, Illinois.
  Sylvester accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age 
under the pastorate of his father at Greater Progressive Baptist 
Church, Chicago, Illinois where he served as an usher and a member of 
the Youth Choir.
  Sylvester joined the United States Marine Corps May 1, 1967, was 
temporarily retired April 16, 1969 and honorably discharged on 
September 30, 1974. He served his country with dignity and honor and 
attained the rank of Corporal. During his Military Service, he earned 
the National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Good 
Conduct Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal with device and Marksman Rifle 
Badge.
  Having been reared in a Christian home where the Word of God, the 
love and support of family were the guiding principles, Sylvester 
learned early in life that ``if a man doesn't work, he doesn't eat'', 
so in spite of the emotional and psychological issues he faced as a 
result of his tenure in Viet Nam, he was determined to survive.
  Sylvester attended Elmhurst College where he majored in Business 
Administration. He was gainfully employed with Gerber Products Company, 
Watts Side Grocery (family owned) the Deputy Sheriffs Office, Strategic 
Services Unit, Daley Center, Chicago, Illinois, Sodexho Marriott, Trajo 
Enterprises and Rich Cake Enterprises.
  Sylvester leaves to cherish precious memories: Missionary Janet 
Watts-DuPart, Reverend Lucille Watts-Watson, Reverend Van Watts, Jr. 
(Ruth), Benny Watts, Reverend Frank Watts, Evangelist Shirley Watts 
Kyles Green; Nephews: Calvin Andre, Van Blair, Vincent, Victor, Vaughn, 
Joseph Preston, Joseph B., Anthony, Troy, Torrence, Ivyl, Michael, 
Steven, Anthony; Nieces: Barbette, Janet, Loretta, Christiana, Angie, 
Janet, Jacquelene, Tina L., Cheryl Lynn, Donna Michelle, Lori Alva, 
Rubi and Kora; a special nephew, Pastor Alfonzo Cleveland and a special 
friend, Reverend Jeanne L. Edwards, who engaged him in intellectual 
spiritual conversations at the dinner table whenever family gathered.
  We, the Watts family, continue to strive to keep ourselves in the 
love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto 
eternal life. He alone is able to keep us from falling and to present 
us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. Jude 
v 21&24.

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