Born to William Underwood and Adelaide Haysbert, she was the first of identical twins to enter the world. Her childhood was spent in Cincinnati’s West End, at 416 Hopkins Street, where she grew up alongside her siblings Helen and Carol Jane. Around the age of seven, they began attending St. Paul AME Church—a spiritual foundationContinue Reading
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Born to William Underwood and Adelaide Haysbert, she was the first of identical twins to enter the world. Her childhood was spent in Cincinnati’s West End, at 416 Hopkins Street, where she grew up alongside her siblings Helen and Carol Jane. Around the age of seven, they began attending St. Paul AME Church—a spiritual foundation that remained with her throughout her life. After retirement, she became a proud member of Quinn Chapel AME.
She graduated from Robert A. Taft High School and served her country with pride in the United States Navy. Following her honorable discharge, she returned to Cincinnati, where she embraced the roles of wife and mother.
Her career in clerical work began at Fifth Third Bank and flourished in the federal sector with the Veterans Administration Medical Center and the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). She truly loved her work and the sense of purpose it brought her.
Traveling brought her joy, and she often shared those adventures with her beloved twin, Helen. She also found great pleasure in entertaining, especially during the holidays. Her Christmas Eve celebrations were legendary: filled with food, music, and gifts for everyone.
Life had more surprises in store. She was once “discovered” by a talent agent who saw something special in her. That moment launched a secondary career in television, film, print, and stage—an unexpected but exhilarating chapter of her life.
One of the brightest joys of all was attending the Twins Festival. She and Helen participated in that extraordinary gathering for over 30 years, forming treasured memories and lifelong bonds.
Ellen was preceded in death by her only son Leroy Eugene Watts II, and she leaves behind a Legacy of love and is survived by her beautiful daughters Monica Matthews, Rhonda (Fawny) Watts, Shawna Watts, and Desiree Miles (Robert). She was blessed with eight amazing grandchildren—Surprese Watts, Vivacia Watts, Curdez Hargrove, Shakir Little, Akil Watts, Dezrion Watts, Aswad Watts, and Kedar Matthews—and fifteen cherished great-grandchildren who affectionately called her GG. She also leaves behind her dear brother, Ronald Haysbert.
Her journey was full, heart was open, and her life was rich with love.
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