Elder Elista P. Waters (affectionately known as Tiny), 86, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, peacefully transitioned into eternal life on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Elder Pauline McLamb, the late Taylor Fisher and stepfather, the late Elder Henry McLamb.

She held many jobs over her lifetime. She worked for the Federal Government for over 25 years where she retired as a Management Analyst of the New Cumberland Army Depot. She had an entrepreneurial spirit and was a beautician that owned her own beauty salon. She owned a bakery where she worked alongside her sister Willa Mae Freeland. She also was a daycare director.

Elder Waters loved learning and thought you were never too old to learn. She obtained an associate’s degree in early childhood education and business administration from Harrisburg Area Community College. She went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree she was very proud of at the age of 77 in early childhood education from Eastern University. She also obtained a master’s degree in human services from Lincoln University.

She was most proud of her work for God and with children. Elder Waters was the founder and director of McLamb Memorial Church of the Living God Day Care where she along with all of her staff helped well over a hundred children to learn and grow. More than learning she loved God. She served as Assistant Pastor of McLamb Memorial CLG prior to becoming the pastor under the late Elder Pauline McLamb. She labored for God as the shepherd of McLamb Memorial CLG as the pastor for almost 28 years. She was always known as a compassionate woman of God that would help anyone including strangers off the street. She was gifted at giving. She gave to anyone that needed it and also lended her time to all that asked for it or that she saw needed it. She was also known as half of Les and Tiny’s and the Carrousel that were black owned businesses people frequented for a good time and to have that hometown environment until she answered God’s call to serve and work for him.

In addition to her mother, father and stepfather, she was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Leslie Waters; her son, Warren Ray, Jr.; her brother, Ernest Fisher; her sister, Willa Mae Freeland; her grandson, Tariq W. Ray, Sr. and stepson, Gary Waters. She leaves to celebrate her life, her two daughters, Rev. Valerie Elam and Rev. Kathryn Waters, Esq.; her sister, Carol McLamb-Bair; her brother, Gary Fisher; her stepdaughters, Karen Waters, Leslie Waters, Mary Ann Waters, Audrey McClain and Rhonda Scott; 9 grandchildren; 12 step grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Elder Elista Waters' life will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary of The First Baptist Church of Steelton, 1850 South 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104 with viewing and visitation from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. and burial in East Harrisburg Cemetery. A repast immediately following the burial at The First Baptist Church of Steelton Fellowship Hall.