Delarese M. Watts-Conaway

Some people walk this earth for a short time. Their departure reminds us that angels are watching over us.

Delarese Mechelle Watts-Conaway came into the world on December 19, 1956, in Baltimore, Maryland. Born to the late Ellsworth Watts Sr., and Jessie M. Watts. Delly or Della as she was affectionately known rejoined her heavenly family and gained her wings suddenly on July 11, 2022, with her eyes looking toward Heaven and surrounded by her family.

Delarese M. Watts-Conaway grew up in Baltimore, Maryland in a loving home and maintained a close and loving relationship with her six siblings, three of which preceded her in death David A. White, Avon Delores Hudson, and Ellsworth Watts Jr. As a child, Delly/Della loved socializing and spent many days at her Aunt Lizzie’s house with her cousin Chubby. Delarese and Chubby could always be found together hanging out until Chubby’s untimely passing. Being humbly social was a special gift upon which Delly/Della was bestowed; those around her were drawn to her infectious and cheerful personality. Delly/Della enjoyed a wide range of activities she loved Modern Dance, singing, second-hand store shopping, cooking, baking, cleaning, bingo, and the casinos. Delly/Della was known for her second-hand finds of the best unique or custom, pieces from various shops. Delly/Della’s love for housekeeping earned her the nickname of “Florence” by her sister Cassandra (Sandy) and she would often be found playing Bingo or visiting the various casinos. Delarese was a happy, pleasant, and outgoing woman who loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Della was educated in the Baltimore City Schools System and attended Rutland Elementary School #149 and Eastern High School. Delarese went on to study Computers, for which she had an incredible passion, and her proudest moment was obtaining a Certificate as a Computer Technical Analyst which led to her working in several job capacities as a Telemarketer, My Cleaning Services, Mercantile Bank, and Maritime Institute.

Delly/Della was the mother of two daughters. Her love for family was influenced by her upbringing as a loving and caring woman, always giving her time to others and she instilled that into her motherhood. Delly/Della proved to be the most loving and caring mother to her two daughters Ricshawner (Twiggy) and Chawanda (ChaCha).

In 1988 while traveling to work she met the love of her life Roland E. Conaway, and they fell in love instantly knowing that they both shared a love for her daughters and family they decided to blend their families into one and were married in 1995 and together raised four daughters Ricshawner (Twiggy), Chawanda (ChaCha), Towanda, and Tanya and one son Sean (Mista). Della as she was called by Roland (Rol-Rol) had a collaborative and caring relationship. A relationship based on mutual support, a deep love for each other and filled with traveling, cooking, laughter, and spending time together with the grand and great grandkids. Della and Roland were a generous loving, kind, and compassionate couple. Della’s presence, smile, and laughter from Roland’s jokes could fill the room. Deeply in love for 33 years and inseparable, they would actively seek out adventures and looked forward to a long and happy life together.

Della shared a special bond and relationship with Roland and their love for each other was so deep that their love for each other built an unbreakable bond between the five children who were all proud to call her mom or momma Della. Although she loved her children and embraced every moment with them, she especially loved her role as a grandmother and extended that love to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who she adored, loved, and enjoyed spending time with, and her faithful dog Polo.

To her husband, she leaves her undying love, unfathomable gratitude, and their beautiful children who love him more than words can ever describe.

Delarese leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of twenty-seven years Roland E. Conaway; four daughters, Ricshawner and Chawanda Tisdale, Towanda Evans, and Tanya Lewis; one son, Sean Harriston; nine grandchildren, Sampson, Darrius, Dominic, Sean Jr,., Khi’lee, Wandysheia, Quantanya, Donyelle and Mauqice; four great-grandchildren, Brooke, Demi, Paige, and Denim; three sisters, Cassandra Gross-Avent (Jean), Kim Moore (Alonzo) and Joyce L. Hudson; five sister-in-law’s, LeEtta Conaway-Linton (Jackie), Valarie Conaway, Tonja Henson (Kenneth), Charlene, and Angel Gamble; one brother-in-law Alexander Gamble Jr., aunts; Carrie Parker (James) and Juanita Brown: uncles Raymond Conaway (Lisa), Morris Conaway (Rita) and Kenneth Conaway (Rebecca) God-daughter Tyesha Hughes and many nieces, nephews and a host of cousins and friends. Special friends Denise Gentry, Charlene Smith, Rosalind Davis, and Kim Coleman.