Corinda O. Stewart-Waters

Dr. Corinda Octavia Stewart Waters was a native of Dorchester County, Maryland. Born June 19, 1916, Corinda was the daughter of the late Julius Corinthian Stewart and Etta Mildred Jolley Stewart. She was the second of five children born to this union. In 1951, she married the late Edward T. Waters, Jr. She attended public schools in Maryland and Delaware. Upon completing her secondary education, she enrolled in Morgan College, now Morgan State University, and was awarded the Bachelor of Science degree. Subsequently, she was awarded the Master of Arts by Columbia University, New York and the Doctor of Philosophy, College Park Maryland. In her 44 year career in the field of education, she held positions as a classroom teacher at the secondary and college levels and department chairperson at the college level. Professionally, she has been associated with the National Education Association, Maryland State Teachers Association, American School Health Association, American College Health Association, the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (receiving an award of excellence for enhancing minority achievement) Maryland Caucus of Black School Board Members, and a two-term member of the Dorchester County School Board. In addition to her professional involvement, she has been active in several community organizations and programs. Most of them are concomitant with her professional background, biological science and its implications for health-related living. Her earliest community involvement began in her college years, joining the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Delta (Morgan State College) and Epsilon Omega Chapters, which strengthened the development of her self-identity and assisted in developing skill in cutting across racial, physical and social barriers resulting into the formation of constructive relationships. The personal development of these goal communities, along with an inherent desire to help people achieve their life goals, particularly children and youth whether they were residents of Baltimore City or Dorchester County. Chief among these community organizations and activities were the American Red Cross, Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Diabetes Association. Maryland Council on Aging, NAACP, Dorchester General Hospital Community Association (served as president of three years and was the first woman and the first African American serving in this capacity), member of the Shore Health System Board of Directors, currently, Secretary-treasurer of the Delmarva Community Services-an agency providing public transportation for Dorchester, Talbot and Caroline counties, a daily activities program for the Seniors in the Dorchester, Talbot and Caroline and home care for individuals with selected mental and physical disabilities. Playing an important role among her community activities was her church- Waugh Chapel United Methodist Church. Upon retiring and returning to Dorchester County, she became more involved with the activities and ministries of the church and conference. She founded the Older Adult Ministry and Higher Education Ministry (received the Francis Asbury Award for fostering ministries in Higher Education). She was also active in Student Scholarship Affairs, Hot Meals Program, Mission Committee, and the Maryland Food Bank Because she was deeply concerned about the welfare of people, especially children and youth, she has spent many years involved in Maryland schools and communities. Surviving the beloved “Aunt Corinda” are a nephew, Kevin M. Stewart (wife, Monica); great niece, Lisa K. Wright (daughter, LaToya Wright); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Much like her aunts, the late Edythe Jolley and the late Margaret Jolley, Corinda lived for others. The diligent pursuit of this goal was exemplified by serving Jesus Christ, loving, uplifting, helping and sharing God’s gift with others. The fervent desire to be God’s servant was beautifully characterized throughout her graceful life.

Corinda O. Stewart-Waters

June 19, 1916 - May 30, 2013