When did Alice Miriam “Mitsy” Crownover Watts pass away?

Mitsy passed away on September 29, 2025, at the age of 83.

Mitsy is survived by her daughters, Camille Watts Brooke (David) and Marie Watts Cobble (Court), along with grandsons Owen Watts Brooke, Lewis Campbell Brooke, Hayes Courtland Cobble, and James Edward “Jed” Cobble.

What was Mitsy's profession?

Mitsy had a long and meaningful career in education.

Where can memorial contributions be made?

Memorials can be made in Mitsy’s memory to West Hills Baptist Church, located at 409 North Winston Road, Knoxville, TN 37909.

October 12, 2025

Remembering Alice Miriam ‘Mitsy’ Crownover Watts

Knoxville, TN, October 12, 2025

News Summary

Alice Miriam ‘Mitsy’ Crownover Watts, a beloved educator and active community member, has passed away at the age of 83. Known for her dedication to teaching and her love for nature, Mitsy’s legacy will continue to live on through her family, friends, and the countless students she inspired. She served in the educational field for many years, significantly impacting the community while also engaging in various hobbies like gardening and hiking. A Celebration of Life event is planned for her at West Hills Baptist Church.

Knoxville, TN – Alice Miriam “Mitsy” Crownover Watts, cherished educator and nature lover, passed away on September 29, 2025, at the age of 83. Mitsy left behind a legacy of love, education, and commitment to her community that will endure in the hearts of many.

Mitsy was born on February 15, 1942, in Asheville, NC, where her family’s roots in the area trace back to her great-grandfather, who was a stone mason for the Biltmore Estate. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Margaret Crownover, her husband of 54 years, John Watts, and several siblings and in-laws.

She is survived by her two daughters, Camille Watts Brooke (David) and Marie Watts Cobble (Court), alongside four grandsons: Owen Watts Brooke, Lewis Campbell Brooke, Hayes Courtland Cobble, and James Edward “Jed” Cobble. Additionally, Mitsy is surrounded by her sister Margaret Crownover, her sisters-in-law Barbara Crownover and Charlotte Keister, and many special nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.

Mitsy graduated from Lee Edwards High School in Asheville, NC, where she earned the affectionate nickname of “Itsy Bitsy Mitsy.” Throughout her youthful years, she was a high school cheerleader, a testament to her energetic spirit that she cherished for the rest of her life. After attending Brevard College, she transferred to East Tennessee State University, where she met her husband John in May 1963; they married later that same year in December.

Following their wedding, the couple made their home in Knoxville, TN, where Mitsy furthered her education and obtained a degree in Education from The University of Tennessee. Mitsy had a rewarding career as an educator, which prominently included teaching two math shows on PBS Channel 2 during the early 1970s, called Numbers Round Up and Rainbow of Fun. She was also deeply involved with the Weekday Preschool Program at West Hills Baptist Church, serving as Chairman of the Board and instructing many children there for several years.

Most of her educational career unfolded at West Hills Elementary School on the fourth-grade team, surrounded by supportive colleagues who shared her passion for teaching. Besides her dedication to education, Mitsy had vibrant interests including gardening, hiking, painting, flower arranging, and reading. A proud grandmother, she found immense joy in watching her grandsons grow.

Her love for flowers was inspired by her father’s prize-winning Dahlias and his commitment to The Botanical Garden of Asheville as a volunteer manager. Mitsy was active in the hiking community, becoming a member of the “Happy Hikers” for over 20 years, during which she traversed more than 1,000 miles of the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

An active member of West Hills Baptist Church for 52 years, Mitsy not only raised her daughters there but also created a Memorial Garden at the church in 2017, where she plans to be interred alongside her husband. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for October 19, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at West Hills Baptist Church, followed by a gathering for friends from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the chapel.

Those wishing to honor Mitsy’s memory can make memorial contributions to West Hills Baptist Church, located at 409 North Winston Road, Knoxville, TN 37909. Arrangements have been managed by Cremation Options, Inc.

FAQ

When did Alice Miriam “Mitsy” Crownover Watts pass away? Mitsy passed away on September 29, 2025, at the age of 83.
Where was Mitsy born? Mitsy was born on February 15, 1942, in Asheville, NC.
Who survived Mitsy? Mitsy is survived by her daughters, Camille Watts Brooke (David) and Marie Watts Cobble (Court), along with grandsons Owen Watts Brooke, Lewis Campbell Brooke, Hayes Courtland Cobble, and James Edward “Jed” Cobble.
What was Mitsy’s profession? Mitsy had a long and meaningful career in education.
When is the Celebration of Life for Mitsy? The Celebration of Life is scheduled for October 19, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at West Hills Baptist Church.
Where can memorial contributions be made? Memorials can be made in Mitsy’s memory to West Hills Baptist Church, located at 409 North Winston Road, Knoxville, TN 37909.

Key Features of Mitsy’s Life

Feature	Details
Date of Birth	February 15, 1942
Date of Passing	September 29, 2025
Career	Educator, PBS Math Show Host
Major Interests	Gardening, Hiking, Painting, Reading
Celebration of Life Date	October 19, 2025
Memorial Contributions	West Hills Baptist Church