LaDean Watts-George (Lansing)

LaDean Watts-George was born Tuesday, January 22nd, 1959, in Birmingham, Alabama but grew up in Lansing, Michigan. She remained as a lifetime resident of Lansing, Michigan until her passing on Friday, July 5, 2024, at University of Michigan Health – Sparrow at the age of 65 years old. 

LaDean committed her life to Christ at an early age and remained an active member of Union Missionary Baptist Church throughout her life. Known for her soulful, bass alto voice, LaDean’s singing was full of life and uplifted the spirits of those who heard her. She began singing in the church choir at the age of 6, recognizing her gift and using it to share her love for the Lord. In the 1970s, she joined the Lansing Community Choir, which later became the Robert L. Jenkins Singers. The ensemble traveled across the state, bringing their music to many churches. Through her ministry as a singer with the Robert L. Jenkins Singers, she rededicated her life to Christ, alongside her longtime friend and confidant, April Jenkins.

LaDean began her education with the Lansing School District and transferred to Waverly Schools in the sixth grade. LaDean played a significant role in integrating Waverly Schools and was one of the first African Americans to attend and graduate from Waverly. She was well-known in the Lansing area for her athletic talents at Waverly Schools, where she played volleyball, softball, and basketball. LaDean was best known for her exceptional skills as a track athlete, running the 100-yard dash throughout her track career and setting the record for the fastest time in the area. Despite facing numerous instances of prejudice, she persevered and excelled in her love for sports. Her athletic spirit continued as an active member of Fitness USA and the YMCA of Lansing, often affectionately referring to her visits as trips to the “spa.” LaDean’s talents and contributions paved the way for future generations of student athletes within the Lansing area.

LaDean had an extensive career, starting work at the age of 16. She began at Auto Owners Insurance Agency and the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. She spent the remainder of her career as a Departmental Analyst with the State of Michigan Department of Corrections, where she implemented educational programming for incarcerated individuals across Michigan. She co-wrote curricula, wrote grants for federal and state funding, and built relationships with faculty and staff at colleges and secondary education programs across Michigan. Some of her notable work includes Public Act 320 of 1998, also known as No Parole without G.E.D., which requires a high school diploma or a GED certificate as a condition of parole for individuals serving a minimum term of at least two years. She was also instrumental in placing vocational schools within incarceration institutions across Michigan. LaDean retired from the Department of Corrections in 2018, leaving an important legacy that emphasized education and second chances.

LaDean played many roles in the Watts family, from working as a receptionist and handling building maintenance for the LeJon Building to preparing the Thanksgiving mac n’ cheese and creating salads that could rival any store-bought version. She was always present to celebrate educational achievements, valuing and promoting education to everyone around her. She attended the graduations of her nieces, nephews, and her own children, both locally and out of state. LaDean cherished family and encouraged gatherings whenever possible. At gatherings, you could always see Auntie Dean's infectious smile and hear her distinguishable laugh. In her retirement, she became actively involved in assisting and caring for the elders in the Watts family, ensuring they made it to appointments, voted, received food deliveries, and felt remembered and valued. Auntie Dean went even further and took care of the next generations, loving and caring for many of her great nieces and nephews. All of this was a labor of love, and LaDean was always there for others.

LaDean Watts-George is survived by her twins, Douglas Lugene George Jr. and Dinah LaNaye George, from her over 20-year union with Douglas Lugene George Sr. She also leaves behind her stepchildren, Vetemia Lewis and Chandra (Michael) Green, step-grandchildren Centurion Lewis, Jahmari George, Jailan George, and Andrea Marshall Jr., and a host of step-great-grandchildren. LaDean is survived by her beloved mother, Leola Watts. With special honor to Doris Donawa. She leaves behind her siblings: Regenia “Gale” (Mark) Brown, Sophronia Watts, Lysandra Kay Lang, Jonathan Lynn Watts, Garrick (Luretha) Watts, Roderick Watts, Sr., Desiree Watts, Lenore Costa, and Linus (Nadine) Watts. Along with her bonus siblings Malinda Watts, Michale Vann, Elbert Watts, Robert Watts, and Tiajuanita Zakkiya Young. Additionally, she leaves behind close friends April Jenkins and Neise Pryor Taylor, with special gratitude and love to Perriod Verser. LaDean is also cherished by a host of great aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family.

She is preceded in death by her father, Jonathan Watts; grandparents, Rosa Watts “Grandmother Rose,” Joseph Watts, Sr., and Ophelia Watts; and beloved uncles, James Watts and Joseph Watts.

She is remembered for her radiant smile, warm demeanor, and no-nonsense attitude. With a heart to serve, she touched the lives of people from all walks of life. Her presence brought a special peace that could soothe any troubled heart, and her life exemplified what it means to be genuinely kind.