CELEBRATING THE LIFE & LEGACY

Rita Lavern Watt was born at City Hospital in Baltimore, MD to the late Estelle Pittman and Divan Pittman, Jr.

Rita attended the Baltimore City School System and graduated from Eastern High School in 1979. She grew up on the Eastside of Baltimore where she of course made many friends. Rita loved her family deeply, as many of us knows she called numerous of her cousins, siblings.

Rita made a decision to move to Harrisburg, PA in the late 90's to begin her recovery in Narcotics Anonymous. at that time, she met Gerald W. Watt, Sr. and fell in love with him and his two children, Cree E. Watt and Christian Watt, whom she reared.

On April 19th, 2003 Rita married Gerald W. Watt, Sr. She was well known, respected, and put her pride in the NA Community. Rita had developed a very close and loving relationship with quite a big group of women who learned from her to become better people in recovery. Rita loved being around her family for many occasions.

On Monday June 1, 2026 Rita was called home to be with the LORD after a very difficult illness. She was preceded in death by her mother, Estelle Pittman; father, Divan Pittman, Jr.; brother, Charles Adams and her son, Christian Watt whose memories she carried with her throughout her life. While their absence was felt, she often spoke of them with warmth and gratitude, holding close the lessons and love they shared.

Rita leaves to cherish her everlasting love and memory of those surviving, husband, Gerald W. Watt, Sr.; children, Gerald W. Watt, Jr., Allen L. Watt and Cree E. Watt (Simara); sister, Deirdre Y. Pittman; brothers, Kevin Moore and Tyrone Pittman; nieces, Shannelle Edwards and D'Ajah M.Toney; nephew, Zion Q. Vanterpool and grandson, Hareem Winters. Rita just also welcomed a granddaughter whom she preciously loved dearly, Siomi C. Ruiz Watt her (Ree,Ree). Also a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The loss we feel today is deep and profound, yet the story of her life does not end here. It continues in the countless lives she touched, in the values she demonstrated, and in the love, she gave so freely. Her journey was marked by compassion, resilience, and quiet strength. She faced life's challenges with grace and met its joys with a grateful heart.
Her legacy is not measured only in accomplishments, but in moments - the comforting words she offered, the laughter she shared, the encouragement she gave when it was needed most. She had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Those who knew her will remember her not only for what she did, but for who she was - genuine, caring, and full of heart.

Though we grieve her absence, we honour her by carrying forward the kindness she showed, the love she modelled, and the integrity she lived by. Her memory will continue inspire strength in times of difficulty and gratitude in moments of joy. She will always remembered with deep love and respect.

Her life will be celebrated at 12 Noon on Thursday, June 11, 2026 in the Chapel of the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon and burial on Friday in the Moreland Memorial Park Cemetery in Parkville, Maryland.