Birdie Clyde WATTS

     
     Birdie Clyde WATTS was born on 11 September 1894 in Bibb County, Alabama, daughter of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed.¹ The young Birdie had sandy blonde hair and a beautiful peaches and cream complexion that remained with her throughout her life. Late in life she was a large, friendly woman universally beloved by her children and grandchildren. Mama Burt was a marvelous cook, who dellighted in large family gatherings. One of her joys was singing and playing the piano, with "Little Brown Jug" being one of her favorite songs, and the one most requested by the grandkids. Mama Burt could not read music, but was a natural muscian and "played by ear." Her daughter, Nell, recalled that her mother would ask her to play a tune on the piano while she listened, then would sit down at the piano and practice what she had heard until she could play it herself.
     Birdie Clyde WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 11 June 1900, in the household of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed in Precinct 2, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama.²
     Birdie married Irby Leon BURT, son of Eustace Pierre BURT and Martha Jane YEAGER, on 25 December 1912 in the home of George Watts, Scottsville, Alabama. Justice of Peace W. T. Wood officiated the wedding service.^1,3
     Birdie Clyde WATTS and Irby Leon BURT appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1920 in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Irby Leon Burt, age 27; his wife Birdie, age 25; daughters, French Inez, age 6; Ferry, age 5; Ruth A., age 3 1/2; and son Irby Leon, Jr., age 3 months. All were born in Alabama. Living with them were servants Doc and Viola Ray.⁴
     Birdie Clyde WATTS and Irby Leon BURT appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 15 April 1930 in Beat 2, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Irby L. Burt, age 37 and a farmer. He owned his home, could read and write, and owned a radio. He first married at age 20. He and his parents were born in Alabama. His wife, Birdie C. Burt, was 35 years old. and had first married when she was 18. She could also read and write. Both she and her parents were born in Alabama. Their children were French I., age 16; Ferry E., age 12; Ruth A., age 12; Mallory M., age 9; George E., age 6; Vincent A., age 3 1/12; and Varner L., age 1 4/12. Living next door was Irby's father, Eustace.⁵
     Birdie Clyde WATTS and Irby Leon BURT were members of the West Blocton Methodist Church until 1965 when they moved their membership to the newly organized Southern Methodist Church in Centreville as charter members. They continued to attend and support the church until their deaths.
     Birdie Clyde WATTS witnessed the obituary of George Edsel BURT on 12 April 1945 in the "Centreville Press". The article read: "Pfc. GEORGE BURT KILLED IN ACTION: Pfc. George E. Burt, son of Mr. and Mrs. I. L. Burt, of West Blocton, was killed in action in the service of his country, crossing the Rhine March 4th [sic], 1945. He was a graduate of West Blocton High School and entered the service in 1943. He was serving as a paratrooper and flew from England on January 1st, with the 17th Airborne Division. He was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. I. L. Burt, of West Blocton, four sisters, Mrs. John K. Brown, Oxnard, Calif., Mrs. Kenneth Dale, Praco, Ala., Mrs. Earl J. Kilby, Woodville, Va., and Wynelle Burt, West Blocton, Alabama; and four brothers, Mallory M. Burt, Great Lakes, Illinois; Vincent, Vernon [sic] and Billy Burt, of West Blocton.⁶
     Grandmother Burt was assisted in running her large household by Odell, a descendant of James C. Burt's former slave, Ambrose Burt. Odell and grandmother Burt shared the cooking duty, and the wonderful meals that they produced are well remembered by the grandkids. Odell was always considered a member of the famiily and was like a second mother to the kids. She and grandmother Burt never missed their favorite soap, "As the World Turns."
     Birdie Clyde WATTS died on 6 May 1982 in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 87. She was buried in Scottsville Cemetery, Bibb County.