Jodie Annette Watts

Jodie Rauch Watts, 69, of Benton, AR was welcomed to her eternal home by her Lord and Savior on November 6, 2026. She was born August 23, 1957, in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Rev. Irene Chavers Rauch and Fred Rauch.

She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Thomas “Tommy” E. Watts, Jr.; her close cousins, Rev. Frank (Jeana) Manguno, Jr. of Plaquemine, La., Emily Passman of Jacksonville, AR, Lorielle (Casey) Gutting, Esq. of Jacksonville, AR, Kristie (Russ) Hulsey of Little Rock, AR, Kristal (Brent) Cook of Little Rock, AR, Naomi Naquin of Little Rock, AR, Darian Darden of Benton, AR, and Christopher Darden, formerly of Benton, AR, and several others; and her church family, including special friends Tammy Renfroe and her sons, Eric, Caleb and Chad Renfroe, Betty Rouse, and Mike Comeaux and Susie Lambert.

Originally from the New Orleans and Loranger areas of Louisiana, Watts grew up in the church supporting her mother with the ministry, where she filled many roles throughout the years, primarily as pianist, vocalist, and youth leader, and taking over as pastor of Calvary Tabernacle in Benton, AR after her mother’s passing. She also was a real estate broker at Serenity Real Estate in Benton, AR, and was a licensed real estate agent in both Arkansas and Texas.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside Celebration of Life Service to be held at (time and date to be announced) at Briar Patch Cemetery in Loranger, LA. Her close cousin, Rev. Frank Manguno, Jr. of Plaquemine, LA will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made directly to help offset unexpected funeral and memorial expenses by contacting Smith-Benton Funeral Home at 501-778-7100.

Service arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.