Emma L. Waters-Watson

Mrs. Emma L. Waters-Watson, 77, of Columbus, Ga, passed away quietly on January 13, 2021, at the Columbus Hospice House with remembrances of her family nestled in her heart.

She was born to the late Lucille Helton and Nathan “Sonny” Johnson Jr., on January 28,1943 in Gilbert, Louisiana. Emma graduated from Carrol High School, Monroe, LA in 1961 and received her AA in general business from the Adult School of Berkley in Berkley CA. In March of 2018, Emma relocated to Columbus, Ga. after retiring from the Arkansas Correctional Facility on May 19, 2015, as one of the managers of the Arkansas State Prisoners. Although retired mom who enjoyed being active worked as a school crossing guard for the Muscogee County School District and as a Security Attendant for the Columbus Civic Center up until an unfortunate health declined.

Emma is survived by four children: Sonja M. Henderson, of Elk Grove; Demetrius D. Waters of Florida; Torres S. Waters-Leiva and Son-in-law; Sonny F. Leiva, of Lake Elsinore; and Dietrich R. Waters of Sacramento. She is also survived by six grandchildren; three godchildren; two brothers and three sisters and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews in which she loved dearly.

Emma was an Independent hard-working woman who was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. As her health declined, she reminded us to always treat people with “Respect and “Dignity” and to be Humble and Kind as “What goes around comes around”.

Mom was a talented seamstress, sewing anything from pastoral robes to prom dresses. When asked why she enjoyed sewing she merely stated, “Beautiful things come together one stich at a time”. In mommies past time, mom watched hours on hours of Westerns on the GRIT channel, she also enjoyed cooking for friends and family, gardening, fishing, talking current events, music, dancing, and tailgating at the Columbus University when the opportunity arose as well as watching her favorite sport teams the Kansas City Chiefs and the Golden State Warriors. Mom loved getting animated when watching Steph Curry. Her favorite words were: “Hey Steph!!!!! come on boy……. give me some…. Watch it, watch it…. Lay-up – swoosh!

If you knew Ms. Emma, affectionately called by those she befriended then you knew of her fashionista sense from head-to-toe. There was never a dull moment with her whether it be her sassy demeanor, beautiful smile and Oh…. we can never forget that infectious laugh and her vigorously will to live her life to the fullest. WE LOVE YOU MOMMIE, REST IN PEACE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!

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Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

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In lieu of a face-to-face service, an online Celebration of Life will be held TBD via Zoom; family and friends will be notified. The family kindly asks that donations be made in support of Glioblastoma brain tumor cancer research in Emma’s memory in lieu of flowers, to the John B. Amos Cancer Center of Columbus, Ga. Donate to Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation | Piedmont Healthcare