Susan Kathleen Waters, of Cullman, passed away Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 at North Alabama Specialty Hospital in Athens, Alabama.
A native of Oxford, Alabama, Susan was born Feb. 14, 1948 to parents Lillian and Clyde Williams. She was a 1966 graduate of Oxford High School where she was awarded the title of Miss Oxford High School her senior year. Susan followed her calling to be a teacher and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Elementary Education from Jacksonville State University in 1970. It was while in college that she met her husband of almost 50 years, Jerry Mack Waters. Before they were married June 19, 1971, Susan worked for a short time as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia.
Susan and Jerry settled in Cullman in the early 1970s where they became active in the community. Susan began her teaching career at Cold Springs Elementary School and worked in the classroom for several years until she became the loving mom to three children, Carrie, Melanie, and Nathan, and decided to dedicate more time at home with them. She also worked alongside her husband helping operate their locally-owned businesses over the years, Burger Chef, J.Mack’s Hamburgers, and then later J.Mack’s Sporting Goods.
As a wife and a mother, she filled their home with warmth and kindness. She created many special memories for her children and their friends and was a “team mom” for many years. She was committed to supporting and helping her children pursue their interests. Susan lived her life with abiding faith and taught her children to love the Lord and to love one another.
Susan’s heart and passion for children led her to accept the position of Director of Sonshine Preschool at Cullman First United Methodist Church in 1992 where she would have finished her 29th year this spring. She dedicated her time and energy to carrying out the mission of the preschool: for each child to leave the program more confident, more caring and more aware of God’s love. For the students that entered the hallways of the preschool every day, “Mrs. Waters” was always there to greet them with a high-five, a hug or words of encouragement to start their day.
Susan poured her heart and soul into her family and extended family and to those closest to her, she was affectionately known as “Mama Sue,” “Susie,” or “Aunt Susie.” But the role she treasured most was “Granna,” the name by which she was so lovingly called by her adoring grandchildren.
She was extremely thoughtful and always tried to make holidays and birthdays or even the smallest occasions very special for the loved ones in her life. Her favorite pastime was participating in her grandchildren’s activities and sporting events. She was always an active participant as she loved to keep up with the rules and follow the score. She also shared her love of games, puzzles and black and white movies with her family.
Susan loved those in her life so well. She looked forward to family gatherings and cherished the time she spent with her siblings. For those that knew her best, she was always putting the needs and wants of others before herself.
As a longtime member of Cullman First United Methodist Church, she was devoted to faithfully serving the church she loved in many capacities throughout her life.
She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her family, extended family, and friends. While Susan leaves an absence on this earth that will be impossible to fill, her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now in her heavenly home living in the presence of Jesus Christ, her Savior.
Preceded in death by her parents, she is survived by her husband Jerry Mack Waters of Cullman; three children Carrie (Ryan) Thomas of Guntersville, Melanie (Matt) Townson of Cullman, and Nathan (Maggie) Waters of Auburn; and seven grandchildren Riley Thomas, Tyler Thomas, Lanie Townson, Max Townson, Addie Townson, Baylor Waters, and Paxton Waters. Susan also leaves a sister Annette (Taylor) Archer of Kissimmee, FL; sister Cindy (Reid) Colgrove of Boligee, AL; and brother Greg (Beverly) Williams of Covington, GA. She is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews who were dear to her heart.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Cullman First United Methodist Church, Reverend Sandra Locke Godbey officiating, with interment in Cullman Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary prior to the service.
Moss-Service Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The family asks that those attending the service wear masks or facial coverings. Social distance guidelines will be followed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Cullman FUMC Sonshine Preschool, 320 Third Ave. SE, Cullman, AL 35055.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15
