Frances Marie Waters

Frances Marie Mathis Waters enriched our lives with her presence from November 3, 1944, born in Taylor County, Florida, until she joined her soulmate, Earl in heaven on June 23, 2025, while surrounded by loved ones in her home located in Lake Butler, Florida.

Frances met Earl at a dance in White Springs, Florida, who then went on to share a deep and everlasting love that served as an inspiration to everyone around them. Their marriage of 48 ½ years was a testament to the power of devotion and partnership they gave to one another. Earl was the center of her entire world and not a day went by when she didn’t share stories of their time together or how much she missed him.

Frances dedicated a significant portion of her life to the Department of Corrections as a skilled Licensed Practical Nurse where she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to care and compassion for anyone fortunate to cross her path. As a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, her faith was a guiding force in her life. Frances found joy in supporting her church, sharing her testimony, and its fellow church members. She frequently hosted missionaries providing them with meals and a welcoming home, embodying the spirt of service and outreach.

She was woman with a multitude of interests which showed just how much she appreciated the world around her. She found pleasure in reading a good book or delighting in the challenge of a crossword puzzle. She shared a great fondness for preserving the bounties of her garden through canning. Her evenings were often spent indulging in her love for old western movies or tv shows.

But perhaps her greatest impact was felt within the walls of her own home. Frances’ home was always a hub of activity, filled with the joyful sounds of her many grandchildren. Her house was a haven for everyone, a place where all were welcome and treated like family. Whether it was a warm meal, a listening ear, or a place to stay, her door was always open and her heart ready to embrace those in need. She will be remembered as the “granny to everyone” whose home was filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

She is preceded in death by her beloved, Lonnie Earl Waters, her parents, Ruben and Thelma Lee Mathis, siblings Robert Davis, Barney Mathis, Willie Mathis, Ellis Mathis, and George Mathis, and grandchildren Celena Taylor and Benjamin Taylor.

Frances leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of her children: Beverly Taylor, Mitchell (Doreen) Waters, Richard (Elizabeth) Waters, Deborah (Dave) Marszalek, and Martha (Ran) Waters. Her grandchildren, that enriched her days, include Crystal (Adam) Janasiewicz, Rheanne Taylor, Mariah Taylor, Amanda Waters, Richard Waters, Joshua Waters, Nicholas Svir, Jessica Swartz, Jennifer (Aram) Petit, Joshua (Ashley) Davis, Joey (Kacie) Jackson, Justin Waters, and Jordan (Baleigh) Cazee. Furthermore, Frances was blessed with great-grandchildren whose laughter and smiles filled her soul with warmth: Liam Taylor, Cora Janasiewicz, Robert Janasiewicz, Nathan Waters, Abigail Waters, Eli Waters, Breanna Melton, David Swartz, Lincoln Melton, Cash Svir, Taygen Pennella, Ayden Petit, Grayson Petit, Jaye Davis, Allie Salanci, C.J. Salanci, Korbin Davis, Madison Jackson, Joseph “Trip” Jackson III, Asher Cazee, and Callie Cazee.

She proudly embraced the title of great-great grandmother: Elaine Rivera. Frances also shared an unbreakable bond with her sisters, Josephine Ward and Mattie Lou Anderson.

A visitation to honor Frances will be held on Friday June 27, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Lake Butler, beginning at 1:00 pm. Followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm. She will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Oak Grove Cemetery. Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Waters family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com