Obituary

Willie Lee Watters was born to Willie Mae Watters and the late Richard Watters, Sr., in Harpersville, Alabama.

Willie joined Evergreen Baptist Church at an early age. He was a devoted Sunday School teacher and a deacon. Willie was a strong believer in God, and after losing his father at an early age, often testified about God being his Father since childhood. He also trained other deacons on how to open devotion and serve communion.

Willie frequently visited the sick, at home and in the hospital, while sharing the Bible. He was noted for giving words of wisdom to students and church members.

Willie graduated from Carver High School in Birmingham, Alabama. He received his BA degree from Daniel Payne College and earned his MA degree from Alabama State University.

Willie worked as an educator for more than 30 years in Talladega County Schools and Birmingham City Schools. He is fondly remembered by many of his former students for turning their lives around.

Willie loved Talladega, Alabama, where his grandparents lived. He told anyone who would listen about his time spent there and his escapades with his three uncles—Harvey, Earnest, and Rollen—whom he considered to be his older brothers. He often made us laugh with his jokes and stories.

Willie was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Willie was preceded in death by his father, Richard Watters, Sr.; his sisters, Janise and Gloria Watters; his son, Stacey Watters; and grandsons, Quinton and Jai Watters.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving mother, Mrs. Willie Mae Watters; four daughters, Miranda (Darron) Hurst, Kara Watters Gulley, Takina (Dwayne) Thomas, and Vernetta Watters; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Watters, Jr. (Jeanette) and Jimmie L. Watters (Edith); three sisters, Wanda Harmon, Regina Harrell, and Valarie Boykin; and three uncles, four aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.