Geraldine Watts -Barnwell

On the evening of October 15, 2020, Geraldine “Gerrie” Watts-Barnwell passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, after a short battle with lung cancer. She was 81 years young. Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1939, to the late Otis and Lydia Bishop, Gerrie spent her early years living in many locations throughout the country; Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin, and California, to name a few. By the age of 12, she was very well-traveled. She loved to share the stories of her youth, like snow so deep she could safely jump with her sister Caroline out of the second-story window of their home in Laurium, Michigan. Gerrie made a professional career of managing small trade businesses, painting and wallcovering contractors in her early career, and electrical contractors in her later career. She was an invaluable asset to everyone she worked with. In her younger years, Gerrie was an avid bowler. She enjoyed league bowling and entering amateur tournaments with her oldest daughter Lynn. Gerrie spent many weekends riding on the back of her husband, Dick’s beloved Harley Davidson, as they toured the beautiful Michigan countryside. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting various projects that she would gift to family and friends. Blessed with five biological children, Gerrie loved and cherished the children she gained through marriage. She also always opened her heart to anyone who entered her life and needed a parental figure. Gerrie is survived by her current husband, Richard “Dick” Barnwell, her sister Caroline (Al) Denko, her children Dan (Andrea) Kiewicz Jr, Lynn Fries, Tracie Kiewicz, Rick Watts, Roberta (Dan) Wagner, her stepchildren Deborah (Paul) Guswiler, Micheal Barnwell, Kim Barnwell, her grandchildren Chris Kiewicz, Kyle Watts, Klaudia Watts, Reese Wagner, Grayson Wagner, Rhea (Phil) Kozlowski, Joshua (Nicole) Guswiler, Joseph Guswiler, Caroline Barnwell, Tristen Barnwell, Stephanie Stavrou, her great grandchildren Brayden Kozlowski, Owen Kozlowski, Kylie Kozlowski, Liam Kozlowski, Ava Guswiler, and Max Guswiler. Gerrie was preceded in death by her husband Robert “Bob” Watts, brother Douglas Ricci, father Otis Shelby Bishop, mother Lydia Ricci, brother Shelby Gene Bishop, daughter-in-law Victoria Kiewicz, and daughter Cherie Kiewicz. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements in care of Jowett Funeral Home - 57737 Gratiot, New Haven.

Geraldine Watts -Barnwell

January 12, 1939 - October 15, 2020