WAYCROSS — Betty Waters, born August 29, 1934, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love May 15, 2023 after celebrating her 71st Mother’s Day.
This leaves the title of “World’s Best Hugger” available for someone to try to claim. We wish you luck in that endeavor as her hugs were felt in your soul.
When you think of Betty, the word LOVE should come to mind. Her LOVE of Christ and her church where she truly enjoyed singing God’s praises. Her LOVE for her family. Her LOVE for her friends. Her LOVE for the stray cats behind her home. And let me tell you, they LOVED her too. In fact, she never missed an opportunity to tell you she LOVED you. You felt that in your soul also.
Leaving behind to cherish memories, and miss her hugs (as well as her banana pudding) are her children, daughter Linda Thomas of Salisbury, Md., and son John Walkup and daughter in LOVE Cindy Walkup (who was also her faithful caregiver through her final moments) of Blackshear, son Robert Walkup and daughter in LOVE Gail Walkup of Salisbury, Md., and daughter Mary Carver of Waycross; her grandchildren, Aaron Griffis of Waycross, Amanda Dix (James Foster) of Ohio, Jennifer Misero (Mike) of Pa., Michael Walkup (Catherine Gillis) of Md., Betty Meeks (Terry) of Ga., and Curtis Carver (Taylor Ward) of Ga.; her great grandchildren, Brandon, Logan, Chelsea, Alton, Aiden, Avery, Colt, Jasper, Jessie, Remi, Cecilia, Cooper; and a great-great granddaughter, Liberty.
Mrs. Waters is also survived by her brother, Buddy Crosby (Lora); a niece, Ester Sudek (Jim); many other extended family members; a dear friend, June Justice; as well as all her brothers and sisters in Christ at Liberty Christian Church.
She will be greeted with open arms at her final stop on this journey by numerous friends and family members, including her husband, Cecil Walkup, with whom she raised her family. She will be especially joyous to reunite with her grandson, Christopher Griffis, who predeceased her by a year.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to her church family that visited and to her hospice nurses and aide.
A memorial service will be held at at 3:30 p.m today, (Saturday May 20) at Music Funeral Home.
The service will be conducted by Pastor Richard Jeffers.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com.
Music Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
