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Obituary For Mary Waters
Mary Elizabeth Newkirk Waters
A life well lived…
God-fearing, nurturing, compassionate and resilient are words that describe the characteristics of Mary Elizabeth Newkirk Waters. She was born in Cuthbert, Georgia, to Willie Mae (Grier) Newkirk and Love Newkirk on June 16, 1927. Southern-born and northern-raised, her family moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, when she was 10 years old (she often recalled picking cotton with her mother as a little girl). At birth, she was named Mae Lizzie after her great aunt Lizzie Mae. A teacher, thinking that she was too pretty for her given name, began calling her Mary and changed her name on official school records. To relatives and friends, however, she was known as “Mae,” though to many she remained Mae Lizzie.
She met and married David J. Waters as a teenager and they were married for 75 years. During her early years of married life, she stayed home and raised their six children. As they grew older, she began working at Polyclinic Hospital to help pay for her children’s college education, retiring after 25 years of service. Mae said that she was shy and did not talk very much. In time, she overcame her shyness and amazed herself at how she loved connecting with and learning about people of all ages.
Mae was warm, friendly and kind to all who knew her. She was a homemaker and a baker who opened her heart and home to family, friends and neighbors. The Waters’ home was affectionately known for its hospitality, especially after high school football games. In addition, she was known for her down-home cooking, homemade dinner rolls and delicious cookies during the Christmas holiday.
She was baptized at an early age and joined St. Paul Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Franklin L. Henley. There, using her beautiful soprano voice, she sang in the choir. Later, she joined her husband’s church, Trinity Church of God (Harrisburg), where she attended and found great joy.
Known to many in her later years as “Miss Mary,” she became a trusted source for advice and friendship with the young and old. It was not uncommon for her and her husband to open their home to people who needed temporary housing. She kept a phonebook and would often go through it to check on family and friends over the years.
She loved flowers and plants, and her children and friends often showered her with them. Always conscious of her health, she joined a women’s gym and walked regularly to stay in shape. She also enjoyed doing word searches, watching Family Feud, and reading The Upper Room and Reader’s Digest. Even as her health declined, she remained determined to maintain her independence.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her seven siblings, her husband David, Sr., her eldest son David, Jr. (Bunny), granddaughter Tracey M. Waters, great grandson, Laquan Smith, and great great grandson Claijon Tolbert-Bundy. She is survived by her daughters Carol W. Jones, Camden, New Jersey, Sharon L. Waters, South Orange, New Jersey, Deborah L. Waters and Yolanda L. Waters, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and a son, Melvin E. Waters, Sr. (Karen) of Oxen Hill, Maryland and daughter-in-law Joyce Waters; eight grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, nine great great grandchildren, special nieces Zulene and Love (Linda) Newkirk, and a host of relatives and friends.
Mary's life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025 in the Sanctuary of Trinity Church of Harrisburg, 244 Harris Street with viewing and visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
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Leroy Gaines sent The Peace Lily for Mary Waters - October 26, 2025
Yolanda,
You have my deepest and heartfelt condolences. Your Mom was such a lovely human being, and a blessing. I never would have known our family connection without her and my Aunt Nancy's close friendship. I know that those two are having a great time catching up. May God give you grace and strength as your grieve her profound loss.
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Dearest Sharon losing a loved one is the hardest thing anyone can do or endure especially our mothers some one once said to the eyes of a new born mothers face is the face of God!!!! And her love is unwavering may the lord bless all of you in your family who may be hurting now just take solace knowing that her pain is never more and her suffering is but a memory because she has crossed over with the lord guidance he will lead her to her new home where she waits for you and all of you in your family with a smile and open arms. Love you Sharon your brother Kenny
May God's peace and love give comfort to the Waters Family at the loss and passing of the loving presence of Mae Lizzie who I only knew from our telephone conversations about family connections. Her beautiful and spiritual presence was real.
To my cousins, I offer my most sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, my Aunt Mae Liz and I honor her on a life well lived! I send up prayers of comfort and peace. Hold tight to those precious memories GOD Bless you all.
Stephanie aka Cuz STEVIE
To Sharon. Asking God to hold you close and give you peace and comfort as you grieve the loss of your beautiful , beloved mother. Mrs. Mary . I am thankful for the wonderful memories of both your parents having known Mrs. Mary , Mr. Dave most of my life. I have always felt like a loved member of your family. I am grateful I visited with your Mom a few weeks ago, to give her a bouquet of flowers. We had a little conversation, a warm hug, cheek kiss and a big beautiful smile. I loved your mom, and your dad. Thank you for sharing them with me and my family. Rhonda 🙏🏾❤️
To Yolanda and Family my deepest condolences
Deb and Yolanda, My condolences. The scripture reminds us that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". (Psalm 46:1) Your in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences to cousin Mary's family thank you. For allowing me to share special moments with cousin mae.
My deepest condolences to the Waters siblings, and our extended family! Cousin Mae Lizzie was an amazing woman with a beautiful spirit. Her light will continue to shine from the heavens above! Rest peacefully in heaven cousin Mae! - Michael
Prayers and CONDOLENCES 🙏 to the family Mrs Mary will be rembered and missed by many who were BLESSED by knowing her and that beautiful Smile and Loving ❤️ Spirit.
Mrs. Waters lived a long life. I hope she was able to enjoy her last days without being in pain.
My condolences to Waters family.
My Condolences to my family. ❤️ Hope Lewis 🙏🏾 and family
Sadly, I couldn't make it there for her funeral. She, Mr Waters and the family always treated me like family since residing on 14th street. Particularly so, after my moving back to Harrisburg in 2018. I called her Aunt Mae and she always welcomed me as her nephew, family warmly. She's missed in my heart and memories dearly 💝💞💝! She and those that remain of the Waters Family will always remain there, because of the indelible imprint they've made in my life to become the man that I am today. May they all receive the comfort of the Lord that she truly believed in going forward in knowing that though she's no longer physically here, her life and Spirit lives on through us. Continue to be BLESSED 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽!!!
What a loving, caring, wonderful lady! With sincerest condolences to her family and friends
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