Obituary of Cleavus Nathaniel Watts

CLEAVUS NATHANIEL WATTS passed away peacefully at home on November 5, 2024, while taking an afternoon nap. He was born July 1,1930 in Bellas Gate, Jamacia. One of 13 children, he was predeceased by his parents Henry and Sylvanie Watts, and four siblings: Courtney W. Watts, Vivian T. Watts, Mavis I. Smith, and Icelyn McFarlane. Cleavus is survived by his wife Delores P. Nicol, two daughters Prudence (Joy) Watts of Toronto, Canada and Suzanne (Brian) Watts McCord of Horseheads, NY; his only granddaughter Jasmine Watts of Philadelphia, PA and two great granddaughters (Jasmine's daughters) Reagan and Ryleigh Wilson of Philadelphia, PA. Also, his brother-in-law Raymond Powell of Horseheads, NY. Ray was his former manager at the Arnot Mall Barbershop Inc. for many years. There are seven surviving brothers and one sister: Vernal Thompson, Kingston JA, Timothy (Georgie) Watts, Old Harbour JA, Lloyd (Sonia) Watts, Old Harbour JA, Vincent Watts, London, England, Cecil (Sandra) Watts, Paterson, NJ, Alton Watts, Kingston JA, Ludlow Watts, Kingston JA, Violet Watts Lawrence, Bronx, NY. In addition to those listed there are many nieces, nephews, neighbors, close friends and former customers left saddened by his departure. Cleavus was very close to his mother and remained in Jamaica long after many of his siblings left to pursue their lives. He lived in Jamacia until he was 27. While there he worked on the family farm and learned many other skills. He went to Kingston where he began working as a barber, coming to the United States in April 1957. Entering as a contract worker with General Cigar he worked with them over an 18-month period before his contract was terminated. That is when he moved to Elmira, NY to live with sister Mavis Smith and her husband Clement (Smitty). Smitty was determined that Cleavus get started here and took him to work with him at McFadden Buick where the owner promptly gave him a job. He had never driven but they taught him to drive and detail cars on the lot. After Mc Fadden closed, he worked with various auto dealers. In 1960, Smitty opened his own auto detailing business. Cleavus worked with Smitty for about 4 years. In January 1964 he got a job with Elmira Star Gazette where he continued for over 6 years. Cleavus always loved working with hair. He pursued his goal of obtaining a New York State master barber license in spite of many obstacles he had to overcome. He was encouraged and helped with the paperwork to get his apprentice license. He completed his apprenticeship in Ithaca, NY after an acquaintance from Ithaca offered him the opportunity. For several years he drove to Ithaca and cut hair on Saturdays to satisfy the requirements for licensing, working from 8am to 10pm before driving back to Elmira to go to work at the Star Gazette. Finally achieving his license, he sought employment in Elmira with no luck. He continued working in Ithaca on Saturdays and the Star Gazette during the week. In 1968, after becoming a US citizen, he continued to seek employment in Chemung County. Cleavus was a very determined and patient man. Finally, he was given an opportunity at Dick's Barbershop at the Arnot Mall. He left the Star Gazette and began working full-time at the shop in the mall. He loved the shop, the staff he worked with and the customers. Recognizing his abilities, Dick soon made him the manager and he began to learn the business end of the shop. He and a fellow barber purchased the shop in 1972. The partnership ended after a year and Cleavus purchased the shop outright. He was always ready for the next opportunity. The shop remained open and successful under his ownership for almost 50 years. He opened a second shop in 1980, called C.W. Scissors, that catered to the entire family. He sold that business in 1995. He finally closed the Arnot Mall Barbershop, Inc in October 2020 after the pandemic changed the business. Because of his personal experiences in becoming a barber and achieving his goal of owning his job, Cleavus helped many people achieve their goals of becoming barbers. Offering apprenticeships in his shop and paying them during their training, he was able staff his business and help dozens of men and women who became barbers under his direction. Cleavus enjoyed being out in the community and supported many organizations. He was a member of the Elmira Kiwanis Club and a long term member of Frederick Douglass African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. In lieu of flowers please give a donation to Food Bank of the Southern Tier, 388 Upper Oakwood Ave., Elmira, NY 14903 or his church, Frederick Douglas AME Zion, 402 Madison Avenue, Elmira, NY 14901. It was his wish to return to Jamaica and be buried next to his mother and grandmother in the family cemetery in Bellas Gate, JA. His services will be held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 2 Darlington Road, Old Harbour, St. Catherine Jamacia, on December 7, 2024, at 10:00am. Arrangements are being handled by Walter J Kent Funeral Home, Elmira, NY and Romans Funeral Home, 23 Dunrobin Avenue, Kingston, Jamacia.