Aletha "Arbie" Prewitt

Age 69 of Joliet, Illinois, entered her eternal home on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 in Wilmington, Illinois.

Born March 8, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois, Arbie was a daughter of Bernice Eugene and Nellie Ray (Gentry) Watts. She was raised in Chicago and Bridgeport, Illinois, graduating from Tilden High School with the class of 1974. On September 11, 1982, Arbie married Bobby Prewitt in Chicago and together shared 30 years of marriage and raised a son.

As a recipient of both a liver and a kidney, Arbie faithfully supported the American Liver Foundation by participating in its signature event, the Liver Life Walk. She had a passion for creating with her hands, enjoying crocheting, sewing, quilting, and making clothes for her family and friends. Known for her tremendous computer skills, she was always the first to lend a hand when loved ones needed help with their technology.

Arbie’s work ethic was unmatched, often working 12 to 16 hours a day, six days a week and at times even held two jobs. Beyond her professional dedication, she also took on the role of helping to raise her siblings, shaping their lives with her care and guidance.

Though she could be opinionated and no-nonsense, those who knew her best understood the depth of her love and loyalty. On weekends, she enjoyed trail riding on her bicycle and could often be found watching her favorite show, COPS. She upheld the family tradition of keeping dinner-table conversation free of politics and religion, a custom she valued dearly. While she could be stern at times, her quick wit and great sense of humor made her presence a joy to those around her.

Survivors include a son: Bobby Prewitt, Jr.; a granddaughter: Autumn Dempsey; four sisters: Debbie (Larry) Dempsey, Thyrra (the late Ed) Gillihan, Peggy (Randy) Boyd, Betty Bartosik; two brothers: Dean (Margaret) Watts and Bruno (Consuelo) Kolb; sister-in-law: Sherrie Watts; brother-in-law: Bill Bolinger; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and life long childhood friend Dretta.

Arbie was preceded in death by her parents and her husband; siblings: Marshall Watts, Donna Bolinger, Andra Wrobolewski and Johnny Ray Watts in infancy.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial gathering at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with words of remembrance starting at 4:30 p.m. Arbie will be laid to rest privately in Mississippi at a later date.

In lieu of flowers preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Arbie’s memory to Gift of Hope.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Arbie’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815/476-2181)