Emma Mae Waters

EMMA’S LIFE AND LEGACY On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, as God walked among his flower garden, He picked a beautiful rose, Emma Mae (Wanda) Waters, and carried her on to glory. She was born on July 28, 1932, to Moses Frances and Myrtle Beckett Smith, the youngest of their twelve (12) children. Her parents and siblings, Preston, David, Ethel, Arthur, Lillian, Hazel, Cearney, Frances, Elizabeth, William and Helen all preceded her in death, along with husbands, Joseph William Armstrong and Samuel Howard Waters, Sr. During her lifetime, she lived a productive life, touching the lives of many people with a legacy of love by service to others: offering sound advice, providing transportation to those who needed it, being a caregiver for family and friends, a mentor, and visiting the sick and shut-in. When it came to being a confidant, one didn’t have to worry about their secrets; they went with her. She delighted in being outside and gardening, keeping a clean and orderly house and traveling to different places. She liked having cars with a big engine. And when it came to driving, she had a heavy foot! All of this she enjoyed until her health began to fail. Her faith in God’s journey began in the early 1950’s when she joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, serving as a Choir member, Pastor’s Aide, Usher, Bereavement and Hospitality committees and being a Deaconess. She always looked forward to attending Sunday School and Bible study. Ms. Wanda loved the Lord and exemplified it with her living, by standing firm in what she believed and trusting in the Lord. She leaves with cherished memories: daughters, Josephine Armstrong, Deborah Smith and Cheryl Ann Dorsey (her primary care-giver); son, Duane Armstrong; grandchildren, Kelly Marshall, Patrick (Shenita) Smith, Brian (Kelly) Smith, Derrick Smith, Sr., Brent Marshall, Jared Armstrong, Amber (Jordan) Asbury, Mercedes and Markee Coverdale; 20 great grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; step-children, Yvonne Armstrong, Cathy and Jerome Winslow, Sandy and Sammy Waters, Jr. and Yvonne Dennis; daughter-in-love, Edith Armstrong; a longtime sister friend, Shirley Gustis and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and all who called her Mom Wanda. Also those who preceded her in death were her son, Michael Armstrong and grandsons, Ivan and Rodney Armstrong and Kyron Marshall. Mom Wanda's Memories will live on in the hearts of all those by whom she was surrounded. Take your rest Wanda, until we meet again. SUBMITTED WITH LOVE ~ THE FAMILY

Emma Mae Waters

July 28, 1932 - February 26, 2025