Dr. Anita Yvonne Watts as a servant of the Lord, has served New Direction Church of God in Christ, as the First Lady for 42 years. Her service to God also includes the California Southern Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ where she served as Bishop's wife for 10 years and Evangelist Missionary.

 

Her ministry career began in 1977 when she and her husband were blessed to minister in Kenya East Africa and various regions of South Africa during Apartheid.  This was the beginning of their many travels to other countries including all of the European countries, Russia, Egypt, Israel and the Middle East.

 

Dr. Watts matriculated from San Diego State University as an Accounting major. Her Graduate School studies were achieved at Next Dimension University where she received her Doctor of Ministry.  In 2010 Next Dimensions University conferred upon her a Honorary PhD in Religious Studies.

 

She worked as a Cost Accountant for San Diego Naval Public Works and some years later worked at General Dynamics Aerospace Pomona CA in the Cost Accounting Dept. General Dynamics Pomona eventually promoted her to a position where she became the first African American female to work in the Contracts Dept. Dr. Watts recalls that her supervisor was so upset at her promotion, he had her desk positioned such that it would face the wall and her face could not be seen.

 

In addition, she has been an entrepreneur for years working with her husband. Some of their businesses include,  " The Total Look" Men’s Clothing Store, "Watts Electronics"(manufacturing and field return repairs of respiratory equipment for hospitals across the nation). “Faith Trucking Company” as owners of (3 big rig trucks delivering cargo across America), Owners of  "Chapel of Peace Funeral Home”, 3 successful Child Care Facilities (Crystal Montessori, Little Citizens, Small World Village). In addition, she and her husband operated 5 Steward McKinney homes, and became Real Estate Investors owning a number of houses and rental properties.

 

Dr. Watts pioneered many innovative concepts in church development. She was among the first Pastor’s wives to hold the position of “Church Administrative Assistant to the Pastor”, and to carry the title "Lady" Watts. Under her leadership, New Direction was the first church in Southern California First Jurisdiction to bring the concept of praise dancing into the church. She also brought the “Missionettes” for Christian Girls  (similar to Girl Scouts), to New Direction Church. Her idea of "Holy Ghost Party" replaced the traditional Watch Night Services on New Year’s Eve. In addition, she served as the Youth Choir Director, pianist, Church Praise Leader and Praise Administrator, Sunday School Teacher, Children’s Department President, Children’s Choir President, and New Direction Women’s Department President, where she implemented various plays and "Ladies Pajama Parties".

 

Also, Dr. Watts is co-author, with her husband, of the book, "Does the Plan Still Work". She served as one of the Southern California First Jurisdiction soloists, head of the First Jurisdiction State Women’s Convention Workshop Financial Committee and member of the State Women’s Finance Department under Mother Barbara Mc Coo Lewis.

 

Dr. Watts has received many awards  including, Who's Who in business and various certificates of recognition, namely from President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Senator Diane Feinstein.

 

In addition to being married to Bishop Raymond E. Watts for 46 years she is a proud mother and grandmother (Me-Maw) but most of all, she loves God with all of her heart, God’s word and God’s people.