Gladys Marie Waters, 1942-2020

Gladys Marie Waters, age 77, of Rye peacefully passed away Friday, Feb. 21, with her family by her side.  Marie was born April 6, 1942 in Texarkana, Arkansas, to Pauline Gladys Adams, who preceded her in death.

A dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured all eight of her girls and embraced every moment with them. Marie especially embraced her role as “Mamaw” and enjoyed spending time with all her grandchildren. She was extremely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.

In addition to being a dedicated loving mother and Mamaw, Marie also loved to cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family most especially during the holidays. With such a large family, Marie managed a tight budget, she was known for clipping a coupon or two and skimming the clearance isles.

Marie is survived by eight daughters, Belinda Breaux and husband Andrew, Sissy Schulba and husband Werner, Robin Mitchum and husband Danny, Melissa Stephens and husband Troy, Lucinda Salazar and husband Kenneth, Felicia Abbott and husband Donald, Michelle Merritt and husband John, and Loretta Nash and husband Jason; along with 23 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Joyce Desadier and Norma Jean; brother-in-law, Barry Stevenson; sister, in law Margo Waters; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Robert Earl Waters; her sister, Pauline Stevenson; brothers-in-law, James “Peewee” Carl Waters, Arthur Lee Waters and Terry Desadier; sisters-in-law, Frances Clemmons and Dorothy Waters; mother-in-law, Ottie Naomi Waters; and father-in-law, Jesse James Waters.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24, at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, 303 E.Crockett, Cleveland, Texas. Pastor Brad Dancer will officiate over services to be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Pace-Stancil Chapel, Cleveland, Texas. Interment will follow at Waters Family Cemetery, Rye, Texas. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers: James Hagler, Robert Breaux, Dillon Mitchum, Trey Stephens, Justin Stephens, Anthony Salazar, Bryant Abbott, Adam Abbott, Aaron Nash, Trevor Nash and Noah Nash.