Marva Watts

This is the story of a woman who embodies multiple titles—disciple, pastor, wife, mother, and friend—reflecting Christ in every arena of her life. This is a story of courage that has inspired and directed people toward change, even in the face of societal opposition. This is a story about a Covenanter who embodies all the denomination has stood for over the last 130 years, championing God’s Word, costly discipleship, and a gospel that transforms both systems and lives. Above all, this is a story about grace—the grace of God that is poured out in abundance on God’s people. As the covenant love of this God patiently pursued Israel, God has likewise pursued the heart and life of Marva Watts, a woman of great character, strength, humility, and love. Throughout her life, Marva has demonstrated steadfast faith and perseverance. While never pursuing positions of power or change, she has nevertheless found herself to be a pioneer, paving the way for the kingdom of God to continue its manifestation on earth as a place where all are given equal voice regardless of race, class, or gender. This is a story that has not yet reached completion, and so what follows is an account of God’s faithfulness to this point.

Foundations and Bridge Building

Marva Charlyne Worthen was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on January 21, 1941, to parents Marvin Charles and Sayde J. Worthen. Marva was named after her father in lieu of a firstborn son. In July 1942, another child was added to the family with the birth of Marva’s only sibling, Kathryn. Marvin and Sayde divorced shortly after, and Marva and Kathryn were raised by their mother in a duplex alongside Sayde’s parents.

From an early age, Marva’s life was shaped by the rhythms of faith. Under the leadership of Bishop John B. Morris, the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock had begun “mission churches” in the African American community of the city. When one of these churches started near their home, Sayde was among the first in their neighborhood to convert. Marva and Kathryn were born into the Catholic faith, both receiving the sacrament of baptism as infants, and attended Catholic school throughout their growing-up years. Marva fondly recalls her early church and school days, where she learned to play the organ, studied the catechism, and went to confession. She was known among her classmates for her fervent spirituality and strong moral compass and recalls chiding her peers amid their coatroom antics that “God sees everything.” Beyond a sense of right and wrong, Marva remembers having a strong awareness of God’s love and provision in her life. She “leaned heavily into spirituality” even as a young girl, relishing opportunities to sit in the sanctuary of their church and simply rest in the presence of God.

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