Alva Jackson Waters

Raised in Dudley, NC, Jackie was an extraordinary athlete throughout his high school and college years, excelling in both baseball and basketball. He attended North Carolina State University on a baseball scholarship, but his true passion for baseball led him to pursue a career in the sport. Recruited by the Philadelphia Phillies, Jackie began his professional career as a pitcher in spring training. Unfortunately, an injury during training ended his major league aspirations, but his love for the Phillies and baseball never faded. He also had a passion for golfing and fishing. In his later years, he was known to organize his days around watching the best televised sports games.

Jackie was a talented carpenter and was known for his precision and skill. He was also a talented singer and sang in the First Presbyterian Church Choir for many years, as well as an active participant in the hand bell choir.

Jackie retired from the United States Postal Service after a long and dedicated career. He was a man of great character—kind, hardworking, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He led with integrity and cared deeply for his family, friends, and community. As a father, he was loving, supportive, and involved, always showing his children how to live with respect and honor. His legacy is one of deep love and strength. He was a proud Past Master of Doric Masonic Lodge #568, a member of the Sudan Shriners, and a longtime participant in the Shriners' Chef Crew.

He is survived by his children: Charlene Slaybaugh (Rick) of Thurmont, MD, Nancy Ensley of Jacksonville, NC, Carla Moffitt (Alan) of Greensboro, NC, and Carol J. Waters of New Bern, NC. He also leaves behind his siblings: Alice Pearl Adams (Fred, deceased) of Mount Olive, NC; Glennie Mae Lynn of Dudley, NC (Ed, deceased); Dallas Edward Waters (Patsy) of Pikeville, NC; Charles Douglas Waters of Goldsboro, NC; and Linda Faye Jennings (Wayne, deceased) of Orange Beach, AL. Additionally, Jackie is survived by his sisters-in-law, Dotty Waters of Goldsboro, NC and Patricia Miller Compos of Pauline, SC, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Jackie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Jane Miller Waters; his parents, John Leland Waters, Sr. and Madeline Waters; his brother, Earl Eugene Waters (Dotty) of Goldsboro, NC; and his stepbrother, John Leland Waters, Jr. (Lola) of Kinston, NC.

The family would also like to recognize and sincerely thank his loving and dedicated caregivers: Shirley Rockwell and Cynthia Collins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in New Bern, NC. Interment of ashes will take place with Masonic rights.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the First Presbyterian Church Foundation, PO Box 1069, New Bern, NC 28563-1069, or to Shriners Children's Hospital, PO Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438, at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Waters family.