Mary A. Waters

Mary Alice Waters, affectionately known as “Pig”, matriarch of the Waters family, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister, and friend, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the age of 89.

Mary was born on March 28, 1936, in Griffin, Georgia, to her beloved parents, Emmett Reid, Sr. and Lula Mae Reid. During her early childhood, the family relocated to Alcoa, Tennessee, where Mary was raised alongside her siblings. She attended Charles Martin Hall School until the 9th grade, where she met her lifelong love and future husband, Luther Waters, Sr. The couple married in 1950 and together raised five children.

In 1961, Mary and Luther moved their young family to Newark, New Jersey, and in 1969 they settled into their first home in East Orange. Mary held several jobs throughout her life, but she found her true calling in service to others. She spent over 35 years working at the Woodbridge Developmental Center in Avenel, New Jersey, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During her tenure there, she earned her high school diploma and was promoted to a supervisory role. Her work was marked by compassion, dedication, and a desire to uplift others.

After retiring, Mary and her husband relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, in 2002. Even in retirement, she remained committed to helping others, working as a school bus aide with First Student, Inc. She continued in that role until the remarkable age of 85.

Mary was a woman of unwavering faith. She loved attending church and praising the Lord. Her last church home was Community Baptist Church in Kansas City. She was especially proud to have traveled to Jerusalem twice and visited Egypt, experiences that deepened her spiritual journey. Mary also enjoyed cooking and baking (especially her famous German Chocolate Cake), fashion, shopping, traveling, hosting holiday gatherings, and spending time with her family. She was known for her generosity and hospitality, often welcoming relatives and friends into her home during times of need. Her kindness, warmth, and strength touched all who knew her.

In 2023, Mary returned to New Jersey following the passing of her only daughter. Despite facing ongoing health challenges, she remained resilient and was surrounded by love and care in her final days. Mary passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Luther Waters, Sr.; her children, Curtis Waters and Linda G. Cole; daughter in law, Patricia Waters; her siblings, Emmett Reid, Jr., Ben Reid, Virginia Jones, Billy Reid, Helen Reid, and Glen Reid; and her grandchildren, Dyron Waters and Sandra McElveen.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving sisters, Keisha Tucker (Reid), Ann Reid, Dorothy Reid, and Willie Mae Taylor; her sons: Luther Waters, Jr., Walter L. Waters (Theresa), and Karl M. Waters (Cathy); her grandchildren: Maurice Jackson, Sr., Alicia Waters, Jessica Waters, Luther Waters III, Latisha Pullen, Garrett Waters, Jarryd Cole (Trisha), Jasmin Cole, Rasheed Waters, Montsho Waters (Margarita), Jumaan Waters, Simone Waters, Kayla Waters, and Cecilia McElveen; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Mary Alice Waters lived a life of faith, purpose, and service. Her unwavering devotion to her family, her community, and her Lord serves as a lasting legacy. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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Celebration of Life Services

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Visitation: 12:00 PM | Funeral Service: 1:00 PM

The Good Shepherd Mausoleum Chapel

Sherwood Chapel & Memorial Gardens

3176 Airport Highway, Alcoa, TN 37701

Entombment to follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at

www.sherwoodchapel.com