Frances Waters

Less than four months before her 100th birthday, Frances Gary Waters died peacefully on the morning of April 29, 2022. She was born in Macon, Georgia to Meador O’Farrell Gary and Martin Witherspoon Gary. The family moved to Fort Worth, Texas, in 1924. 

A graduate of Paschal High School and Texas Tech University, where she was listed in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, she was a member and past national officer of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity, and Association of Junior Leagues of America. As a member of the American Contract Bridge League, she attained the rank of Silver Life Master. She was a member of Fort Worth Woman's Club and served many years on the Administrative Board and in the Sanctuary Choir of Overton Park United Methodist Church, now Arborlawn United Methodist Church, Fort Worth.  After living in Denver, Colorado, Lubbock, Midland, Houston, and Fort Worth, supporting her husband’s career with Chevron Oil Company, her home has been in Lubbock since 1997, where she was a member of First United Methodist Church and FUMC Chancel Choir, Mortar Board Alumnae, Lubbock Women’s Club and Pi Beta Phi Alumnae. 

Her husband, Granville E. Waters, preceded her in death February 17, 2009. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Charles W. Waters and wife Lila; two nephews, Paul Waters, Ben Waters and niece Leslie Waters O'Connor; and two sons and one daughter: Howard Charles Waters and wife Debra; grandchildren, Granville E. Waters, III, and wife Tracy; Milly Waters Alfidi and husband Joe; Kimberly Waters Rheault and husband Chris, all of California. And grandson, Trevor Waters of Colorado. Son, Martin Gary Waters and wife Kathy of Georgetown; grandchildren Andy Waters and wife Kristy of Sachse, Texas; Emily Waters Tardy and husband Daniel of Franklin, Tennessee, and Michael Gary Waters and wife Erika of Liberty Hill, Texas: daughter Melanie Waters Neal of Lubbock; grandchildren Robert Neal and wife Cory of Lubbock, Ginger Gran Neal Barbee and husband Jeremy of Slaton; Holly Neal Mercer of Fort Worth; 13 great grandsons and 7 great granddaughters.  The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Dena Jones and the amazing caregivers at the Beehive assisted living facility in Lubbock. They loved her like she was their own and took excellent care of Gran Fran during her final months. The family was blessed to know that she was in such capable and caring hands. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the music department of First United Methodist Church, Lubbock, or the charity of your choice.  Celebration of life service will be held at First United Methodist Church August 6, 2022. Graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 pm Friday, May 6, 2022 at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, Fort Worth, Texas. Arrangements are by Englund’s Funeral Service of Slaton, Texas. 

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