“May the work I’ve done speak for me.”
Funeral services were held on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at True Vine Baptist Church, Portland, Ore. who was a native of Picayune, Miss.
Gladys Mae Waters was born on December 2, 1952 in Picayune, Miss. to Jessie and Rubie Lee Waters.
Gladys graduated from Picayune Memorial High School and Portland Community College where she studied Early Childhood Education. She worked for Albina Headstart for over 40 years.
She accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Greater Faith Baptist Church where she served as choir director, board director of Inspired Aspiration Inc., and founding member of Advisory Counsel for Juneteenth Oregon. She also volunteered at Black United Fund of Oregon, Urban League, and Portland Rescue Mission.  She loved the Lord, her children, her grandson, as well as nurturing, encouraging, and motivating others along the way.
On Thursday, January 12, 2017, Gladys answered the Master’s Call. She ended this earthly walk to begin her heavenly journey at the age of 64.
Preceding Gladys in death were her parents, Jessie and Rubie Waters; and sister, Ocie Durr.
Left to mourn are three daughters, Tisha (Johnny Stigler), Cottina Waters, and Saniecela (Nick Fewkes); grandson, Jeremiah Stigler; three sisters, Evelyn (Richard Marks), Karen (Clifford Green), and Georgia Lee (James Bender); three brothers, Jesse (Willa Mae Waters), Arthur (Margot Jones), and Ezell Waters; and a host of other relatives and friends.