Diane Elizabeth Waters

When talking about her childhood she would tell of trips on the train from Chatham, Kent to London to see her Grandmother Seager. She told how the train would be stopped for an air raid and of seeing the barrage balloons. She spoke of how she and her mum would crouch under the steel table in the kitchen when their dog started howling at the bombers, and how her dad taught her to sit on a window ledge on the lower stair landing, pick-up her brother John and push him out so dad could catch him. Then she would jump.

Rationing was still in effect when her family emigrated to the U.S. She was almost 13. She talked about how on the ship she and John ate real eggs !! not powdered eggs. She loved eggs, cooked any way, the rest of her life.

She graduated from Willow Glen H.S. in San Jose, CA. Sandy Ray, her friend of 65 years, graduated with her.

In late summer 1969, she, Judy Ann, 8 and John Russel, 6 met Joe Waters at the apartment of a co-worker in the dental office where Diane was manager. Their 50+ year marriage started next June.

They joined Willow Glen Baptist Church where Diane sang soprano in the choir, was very active in the women’s prayer ministry and served 5 years as sponsor and counselor to the high school group.

In 1993 Joe convinced her to quit working and move to the property they had bought for eventual retirement in Duluth, GA.

In Duluth she again joined the choir and served on several committees at First Baptist. She continued to devote time for daily prayer.

Having never seen a gold finch, she thought someone’s canary was loose when one landed on the deck. She bought binoculars and a bird book to identify what she saw. She watched to the end. Diane loved animals especially dogs. She had many “grand-dogs” that she could spoil for a week or two and then give back to the owners. A member of the Norcross Garden Club for 16 years, she spent as much time as she could in her yards. They were on the garden tour sponsored by a local newspaper, twice. At ages 62 & 63 she completed the Avon Breast Cancer walk – 60 miles in 3 days.

She frequently took meals to others. Her most important role was as an encourager. She was diligent to complete her “paper work.” Each month she would get her lists and write a note in various greeting cards – birthday, sympathy, thank you, thinking of you – whatever was appropriate. It was her ministry.

Diane liked to travel. She was blessed to be able to enjoy the sights, sounds and foods of foreign lands.

On January 16 she started a terrific, wonderful, glorious and eternal journey.

She is sorely missed by Joe, Judy, son John and brother John, the children of her heart: Scott & Cathy Howell, Derrick & Selena Sharpe, as well as four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and five grandchildren of her heart.

In lieu of flowers consider a gift to the benevolence fund or to missions at First Baptist Church Duluth.

Diane would be shyly proud if your memory of her urged you to take a card, add a handwritten note and send it to a loved one or anyone you felt needed a lift in spirit, deserved a pat on the back or just an “I'm glad I know you.”