Mother Annell Waters

 Mother Annell Waters departed this life on Monday, June 24th, exactly 4 days after her 97th birthday. Mother Waters was a true example of love and compassion for children and those less fortunate. She truly exemplified the scripture of Proverbs 31:28 “Her children arise up and call her blessed.”

Mother Waters dedicated her life to the service of others. She was a co-founder with her dear sister-in-law, the late Della Luten, of Del’s Daycare. She touched many lives of parents and children during this time and developed lifelong relationships as she truly enjoyed molding the lives of children. Mother Waters served the Saint Joseph County Foster Care Program for over 50 years. In her senior years, she served with the REAL Services Foster Grandparent Program until her health began to fail. Mother Waters was a proud and dedicated member of Grace AME Zion Church, where she served as the church pianist and Deaconess. She also formed the Angel Choir, which consisted of her grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews, and neighborhood children. She loved music and worked with several local musicians, pouring into them what had been given to her. In addition to serving her church, she served many other local ministries and loved doing so.

Mother Waters was born on June 20, 1927, the fourth child of Lonnie and Lillian Luten, who both preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Alexander Luten and Joseph (Della) Luten, and two sisters, Mary Louise Stephens(LeRoy) and Geraldine (John Sr.) Collins. Mother Waters’ late husband, Lester Waters also preceded her in death along with her two sons, Craig and George Waters, her grandsons, Cameron Williams and Brandon Weston, and stepdaughters, Yvonne Carrothers and Gelaine Waters.

Mother Waters leaves to carry on her legacy of love her daughters, Charan (Charles, Jr.) Richards, Cherelyn (Melvin) Williams, Leslie (Derrick Sr.) Wesley, Theresa Miller, and Melanie Boyd all of South Bend, Indiana; Stepdaughters, Jeanie Jenkins, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kathye Jo Waters, South Bend, Indiana along with her Stepson Wayne “Cheo” Waters of Daytona Beach Florida. Mother Waters had a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her precious nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and cousins, all too numerous to name as well as her special friends Jean Newsome and Faye Jean Cannady.

Mother Waters was truly a woman of great faith and her memories will certainly be cherished by all her loved ones. Mother fought the good fight, she finished the race, and she kept the faith. Now there is in store for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her on that day--and not only to her, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

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