Retired Covenant pastor William Watts passed away on May 24, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. He was 84.
William McClain Watts was born November 28, 1940, and eventually grew to become a respected mentor, teacher, and spiritual father who dedicated much of his life to preaching the gospel and nurturing the souls of his flock. He married his wife, Marva, on March 22, 1969. Together they were partners in ministry, and were both ordained ministers in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Rev. Watts was the founding pastor of Gospel Way Covenant Church in Chicago, where he served faithfully for many years. Under his leadership, the church established an alternative school during a teachers’ strike, continuing to minister to children and their families. The church emphasizes building relationships reflecting God’s love and encouraging members to use their gifts in worship and community outreach.
He was the first African American chief chaplain of the Illinois Department of Corrections, where he oversaw the spiritual care of incarcerated people, offering hope and compassion, as well as mentoring their families.
Rev. Watts’s work extended beyond the church and correctional facilities; he also known as a civil rights leader and was instrumental in the prison ministry for Operation Push. He also partnered with Prison Fellowship and actively fought for the right for African Americans to serve as chaplains. He significantly expanded Operation Push’s outreach, forming partnerships with Latinos, Korean, Jordanians, and Muslim and Arab business owners throughout the Chicago metropolitan area to fight for equity and justice for everyone.
In 2014, Rev. Watts suffered a severe stroke but remained committed to his ministry. In 2017, the Covenant honored him and Marva with the Irving Lambert Award for Outstanding Urban Ministry for their work in urban and ethnic ministries, including their leadership at Gospel Way Covenant Church. They also developed youth exchange programs with Covenant churches in Pomeroy, Iowa, and Aurora, Nebraska, and fostered a sister church relationship with Bethesda Covenant Church in Rockford, Illinois.
Rev. Watts is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Rev. Marva Watts; their son, William M. Watts Jr. (Billy); and extended family, community, and church family.
A celebration of life service was held at Oakdale Covenant Church in Chicago on June 7, 2025.
Peace be to his memory.
