Shirley Waters

Shirley Pauline Waters departed this life for eternal rest on Sunday, March 23, 2025, peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born October23, 1946 to Wilson Price and Katie Ford Garrett. She was the eldest daughter of five to the late Perry Garett and Katie Garrett, while being lovingly raised by Grandma Mable Ford. She was a student of the Prince George’s County School system.

Shirley accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age at St. Mary’s United Methodist Church. She later became a member at Greater Mount Nebo Methodist Church. Shirley met the love of her live, Richard C. Waters in the early 1960’s. They later united their love and married June 29, 1963. From their union four children were born: Richard Gary, Mary, Tina, and Cora. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her door was always open, she would feed all that stopped by her house. She never met a stranger because after she met you, you became family. Being the eldest grandchild of Ben and Mable Ford, Shirley had no problem helping take care of her nieces, nephews, nieces, cousins, grandchildren and the many adoptive grandchildren. She wasn’t a stranger to the family’s weekly Sunday evening ball games held at Grandma Mable’s house. Occasionally she would show the family she hadn’t lost her skill to hit a baseball way into the outfield.

Shirley loved baking and knew everyone’s favorites. Whether it was a poundcake, lemon meringue pie, German chocolate cake, homemade cookies, rolls and many more. There was always something specially baked coming out of the oven. She loved taking time out to play bingo or go to the casino. She’d spend many Sunday evenings playing cards, po-ke-no, 10,000 and Phase 10 (and if you said you didn’t know how to play she’d say “sit down I’ll show ‘ya”).

Shirley is preceded in death by her grandparents Benjamin and Mable Ford, fathers; Wilson Price and Perry Garrett, Daughters Tina Gordon and Cora Kimes. Shirley leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of nearly 62 years, Richard C. Waters; son, Richard G. Waters; daughter, Mary E. Waters; special son in- law, Myron Kimes (Cora) mother, Katie Garrett; grandchildren, Richard G Waters Jr. (Crystal), Jordan I. White (Kenny), Morgan C. Kimes, Darris J. Gordon and Elizabeth Waters; great-granddaughter; Aurora L. White; brother, Keith Garrett; sisters, Denise Pinkney (Winston), Cynthia Simmons, Marinda Bennett ( Joseph); and a host of other relatives and friends.