Lula Olivia Waters

Olivia was born on May 25, 1925 to Ora Mae Shockler and Clyde Moore Wylie in Oceola, Texas. She spent her childhood and youth in the Cleburne, Texas area with her three brothers and three sisters. Growing up during the Great Depression on a small farm, like most of her generation, she understood the meaning of hard work and sacrifice first hand.

She met her future husband, William W Waters when they were in eighth grade and after graduating from Cleburne High School, Olivia and William married in 1945. Within a few years they began their life in the U.S. Army where William rose to the rank of Colonel. They enjoyed their life of travel and service with assignments in six states and overseas in Okinawa. Olivia and William had two children, William David Waters born in 1948 and Marsha Sue Waters born in 1952.

Olivia's children considered her "the best mother ever". She was loving, supportive, fun, and generous in all things. In addition to being a great mother, she was an accomplished seamstress, fashionista, and fabulous cook. She was a role model for her children and grandchildren.

As wonderful a wife, mother, and mother-in-law as Olivia was, she was a super grandmother to her grandsons Ryan and Kevin. She could always be counted on to take them to Disney World and every other central Florida attraction. She placed a high priority on be a loving presence in their lives and took great interest in all their activities. She was especially delighted to become a great grandmother with the addition of Katie and Ryan's daughters Rowan and Mariel Whitton.

As a military officer's wife, Olivia was very active in the Officer's Wives Club and often served in a leadership role. She also helped organize and administer outreach programs at the military posts and bases where they were stationed. She honed her entertaining skills and was an accomplished hostess from small dinner parties to gala events.

William and Olivia retired in Merritt Island, Florida and enjoyed life on the water and on the golf course. Olivia continued to be active in the Army Wives Club, Retired Officers Wives Club, Gourmet Dinner Club, and activities of her church. After her husband's death in 1992 she continued to live in Florida until 2005 when she moved to Austin to be closer to her family. In Austin she was a member of University United Methodist Church and attended the Couples Plus Sunday School Class.

Olivia is preceded in death by her husband, William; son, David; her parents; and brothers Roland Wylie, Ottis Wylie, and Willie Clyde Wylie. She is survived by her daughter Marsha and husband Alan Whitton of Austin; grandson Ryan Whitton of Austin and wife Katie, and great granddaughters Rowan and Mariel Whitton; grandson Kevin Whitton of Austin and wife Cassandra; daughter-in-law Pat Jones of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sisters Ila Mae London of Hutchins, Texas; Ruth Dean Ratliff of Glen Rose, Texas; Carolyn Waldrip of Grandview, Texas; and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to her loving caregivers, Weltha Collins, Breanna Polley, Gabrielle Lopez, Griselda Lopez, Cassandra Soto, Sarena Lopez, and numerous other caregivers from Brookdale. Their faithful care and compassion were gifts beyond measure. In addition, Hospice Austin provided excellent service, guidance and care in her last months. We especially appreciate the dedication and care of Dr. Faith Holmes, Paula Pratte (RN), Lisa Young (CNA), Miranda Fontaine (Chaplain), Melissa Dowling (Chaplain), Andrienne Diaz (Social Worker), and Claire Hyder (Team Leader).

Olivia's ashes will be placed alongside her husband's in the columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at University United Methodist Church at 2409 Guadalupe Street on Sunday, October 18th at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University United Methodist Church Foundation or Hospice Austin.