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Stephen Decator Waters
Stephen Decator Waters
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Stephen Waters Obituary
Stephen Decator Waters, passed away Monday, July 26, 2010, after a long struggle with heart disease.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Almeta Waters; a brother, Oscar Jr.; and a sister, Barbara Waters Johnson.
He leaves to mourn a sister, Deborah A. Briddell of Dover, Delaware; a devoted aunt, Thelma Brown of Dover, Delaware; aunt, Bernice Rogers; uncles, Sylvester and Hurley Purnell, all of Berlin, Maryland; and nephews, Michael Patterson and family, Aaron Johnson and family, William Atkins and family, Larry Briddell and family; and a host of cousins, relatives and friends here in Charlottesville, Dover and New Castle County, Delaware.
He was a graduate of Wilberforce University and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Steve started his career as an English teacher at the Jackson P. Burley High School in Charlottesville. He also taught at Buford School and directed Head Start for a summer before accepting a job as Associate Director and later Director of Upward Bound at the University of Virginia. He directed youth programs at Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA) and then returned to Charlottesville Public Schools where he served as Attendance Coordinator, Teacher and Buy Back Coordinator. He ended his service to public education in Central Virginia upon his retirement in 2004 after 40 years of service.
The consummate educator, Stephen believed in the genius of simplicity and organization. He believed exposing rural southern children to the arts and culture in the larger society enabled them to examine their own gifts and talents. To each child, he was devoted to establishing clear training and career goals.
He was devoted to God and his church, Trinity Episcopal. Stephen got things done. Always pleasant with an easy smile, he was a popular figure in the community. He felt blessed for his medical care team led by Dr. Matthew Goodman, and all the wonderful care givers and friends who came and shared his company. He was especially blessed by the care of devoted friends, Daniel Brown and Kenneth Frye.
A memorial service will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2010, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1042 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
A graveside service will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, August 2, 2010, in Sharon Hills Memorial Park in Dover, Delaware.
In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to Trinity Episcopal Church, 1042 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
"It is as if the gloom of night had hid a summer's day and willows, sighing at their plight, bent low beside the way, for he was part of all the best that nature loves and gives and ever more on memories breast he lies and laughs and lives", Paul Lawrence Dunbar.
Friends may sign the guest register at teaguefuneralhome.com
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jamil Zainaldin
September 11, 2017
I have been away from Virginia for many years now. I was a student at the University, and became a student volunteer the first year Upward Bound began, in 1968. I served as a tutor for two years and the year I graduated, worked in the summer portion of the program as an assistant to Steve. A wonderful man was Stephen Waters, and it is with joy that I feel my reconnection with him after so many years later. Steve, God Bless you, my friend. As I look back, my memories are strong and filled with enduring gratitude and respect.
Judith Thompson-Garland
August 26, 2010
Mr Waters, May you be Blessed with a peaceful rest. While you were here you gave us your best. I am grateful for your life with us. You touched so many lives, encouraging them to be their best. Thank you for careing. Peace be with your family.
August 11, 2010
Can't forget my cousin Steve, was always supportive especially when it came down to educational standards..As an Upward Bound teacher and relative, Cousin Steve was very influential in my life and will be truly missed. I'm sure many will agree that Steve was a great teacher and person..
Vonzell Starnes
Upward Bound 1978 (UVA)
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"We have come."
Donald Garcia
August 4, 2010
Good morning, my sincere sympathy to Steve's family and friends. I met Steve only once in NYC. And, it was on this visit with his friends that they stayed at my home. Steve's Spirit was kind, pure and simply sweet. He demonstrated a presence that was: "Beyond destruction and beyond guilt. It comes from from the Holy Spirit that is within you. And we know that what God creates is Eternal."
Donald Garcia
Linda Woodfolk Felton
August 3, 2010
My sympathy and condolences go out to the family. Mr. Waters will truly be missed. I will always remember how he encouraged us to be the best that we could be while attending Upward Bound. He taught us disipline, wisdom and how to appreciate culture in the arts. I will truly miss him. May he rest in peace always!
Bernard Poindexter
August 3, 2010
Angels walk amongst us in life. If we are blessed enough we have the good fortune to meet, learn from and be embraced by the presence of all that is good. Mr. Waters thank you for caring enough to share your time here with me. College would have been a possibility without you, but because of you it became a reality. Thank you for you caring your wisdom and your sharing. I will always feel blessed to have known you.God bless you and your family.
William Burley
August 2, 2010
To the Waters family, I was saddened by the pasting of Mr. Waters. He reshaped my view of the world as a teen at upward bound during the late 70's. I will always be eternally grateful. God Bless!
Ralph Brown
August 2, 2010
Stephen, we will truely miss you my friend. Rest easy.
Larnell Flannagan
August 1, 2010
Bro. Steve Waters was a great mentor, friend and frat brother. He provided me the advice and support I needed in preparing for college, and while a student at Shaw and Va. State Universities. I will miss his friendship and the wonderful conversations that we had over the years.
Brando Quarles
July 31, 2010
Mr Waters gave me the vision to dream bigger, work harder and embrace life's experiences. As a country boy, coming from Louisa, to the "city" for Upward Bound, Mr Waters helped me to believe, that I mattered. You will be missed and thank you for the lessons! Rest in Peace.
James Bryant@Family
July 31, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
Tanya Barbour
July 30, 2010
Mr Waters worked with my mom and was at CHS when i arrived there, he gave me a "talking to" that i will never forget. He touched so many and helped raise a village. His spirit will live on forever in every child he shared his dream with.
Joseph Robinson Jr.
July 30, 2010
I was initiated into Iota Beta chapter of Alphi Phi Alpha at UVA Mar 2, 1979. Steve Waters was our mentor who endeavored to engage college brothers with the local alumni chapter, Gamma Alpha Lambda. "College days swiftly pass...and the recollections slowly fade away" I will always remember Steve's great smile, unassuming demeanor and intellectual approach to life. He was a great man of Alpha and an exemplary leader. My sincere condolences to his siblings, nieces, nephews and many cousins and friends.
www.josephrobinsonjr.com
Tina Washington
July 29, 2010
To the family of Steve Waters may god bless you all.He was my school counsil at C.H.S. I sent my love and condolents.
Valeria Spinner-Banks
July 29, 2010
Mr. Waters, was my teacher at Jackson p. Burley. A wonderful person with a good sense of humor and a positive role model. My class 1964 got to know him at his very early teaching and we did give him a hard time. I wish for his family fond memories and God's Blessings as he is now on his journey.
Clarene P. Nicholas
July 29, 2010
Steve was my mentor and I too am a Wilberforce University Graduate graced with his assistance as a Jackson Price Burley High School Student. My hometown is Charlottesville, VA. Steve cared much about youth and his caring was passed on to many. His life was well spent and "God gave us a mentor."
Lewis Johnson
July 29, 2010
I am a product of Mr. Waters from Upward Bound. He changed many young lives and gave them a different path in life to take. Steve if you are listening thanks for all you have done for us. I shared this with you while you were here with us. To my surprise you were humble.
Eilise & Rosemarie Johnson
July 29, 2010
To the Family of Steve Waters,
May god bless each and everyone of you during this time of Bereavement.
July 29, 2010
Ah! How I will remember Steve and the good times. May his family be comforted during this stressful time, and may God continue to bless and keep Daniel because he was always there for Steve.
Dr. Harriet R. Morrison (Putt)
James Ragland
July 29, 2010
I met Mr. Waters when I was a student of the Upward Bound Program in 1966. I owe much of my college success to him. Mr. Waters had the interest of the kids at heart. He made sure that all who wanted to go to college was able to do so. I am eternally grateful to him for all he did for us. May he rest in peace.
Alphonso Taylor
July 29, 2010
Steve was an awesome educator. He touched and assisted many area students through his work over the years especially through the Upward Bound Program. He was a mentor and role model who will be deeply missed.
Fraternally,
July 29, 2010
Mr Waters was a wonderful person, teacher and mentor. God has you now.Your Job was well done.You will be missed.
Katrina R. Brown, Charlottesville, Virginia
Chris Jenkins
July 29, 2010
To the family of Steve Waters - May God's arms surround you with love and care during the loss of your loved one. Steve was a very special person to all who met him. He will be greatly missed.
Chris Jenkins
458 Twin Oaks Terrace
Rustburg, VA 24588
Barbara Bowles Bennett
July 29, 2010
Mr. Waters was an excellent teacher and always made everything interesting and fun!. I was in one of his first English classes at Burley. Since then I have taught for 35 years and retired. He was truly an inspiration to me! I fondly remember the days of Quill and Scroll, an organization which my brother and many of our friends belonged that Mr. Waters mentored.
Diane Sampson
July 29, 2010
You will be dearly missed. Your smile always lit up a room. Rest in Peace.
DeTeasa Brown
July 29, 2010
Rest in peace Mr. Waters. I pray comfort over his family and friends.
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