Teresa A. Waters

Teresa Waters was born on November 25, 1961 in Prescott, Arkansas. From the very beginning, Teresa possessed a spirit that was fun, loving, caring, and full of life. She had a big heart, and an unforgettable personality. To know Teresa was to know someone who loved people—and people loved her right back.

Teresa was a proud 1980 graduate of Okolona High School. Even as a young woman, she had a natural love and affinity for cosmetology. Whether she was applying makeup, cutting and styling hair, perfecting a set of nails, or creating those sharp, defined edges, Teresa understood that beauty was both an art and a craft.

Determined to develop her natural talent, Teresa attended Arkadelphia Beauty College, where she successfully completed her studies in cosmetology. She became a true student of her craft, constantly perfecting her skills and developing a style all her own. Her talent, personality, and attention to detail soon made her one of the popular cosmetologists in the area.

Teresa eventually found employment with the Walmart Salon, and anyone who knew her knew that Teresa didn’t just work at the salon—she practically ran it! She took pride in her work and in every client who sat in her chair. When Teresa finished with you, the hair was right, tand those edges were going to be sharp, clean, and defined! She believed in looking your best and took great satisfaction in helping others feel beautiful and confident.

But Teresa’s greatest beauty was the beauty she carried within. She was friendly, outgoing, and genuinely loved people. Teresa never met a stranger. She was always ready for a good face-to-face conversation, and if the conversation was good enough, you might as well get comfortable because it could last for hours! She enjoyed laughing, talking, catching up, and simply being in the company of family and friends.

Her faith was also an important part of her life. Teresa was a lifetime member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where she shared her gift through the choir. Her church was part of the foundation of her life, providing her with fellowship, faith, and a community she loved.

When Teresa wasn’t working or enjoying a good conversation, she had plenty of ways to keep herself busy. She loved crafting and gardening, and she was always ready to sit down for a good, competitive hand of dominoes.

Teresa was an good cook and an exceptional baker. She knew her way around the kitchen, but there was one creation that earned her a reputation all its own—her famous coconut pie. Family, friends, and folks throughout the community knew about Teresa’s coconut pie. It wasn’t simply dessert; it was one of those special treats people looked forward to, talked about, and remembered long after the last slice was gone.

Teresa also embraced Facebook as another way to stay connected. She enjoyed keeping up with family and friends, seeing what everybody was doing, and staying informed about the latest happenings. But she didn’t use social media only to keep up with others. Teresa also used her page to encourage people, sharing inspirational thoughts, uplifting messages, and little reminders about life, love, and faith.

On December 29, 1986, Teresa married Willie Davis Waters. Their marriage became one of the great chapters of her life. Together they built a life filled with love, family, memories, challenges, and laughter. They remained devoted to one another for nearly forty years, until Teresa’s passing.

Teresa understood friendship. She was a friend’s friend—the kind of person who checked on you, talked with you, laughed with you, encouraged you, and remained connected through the different seasons of life. Beneath her fun personality was a woman with a genuinely caring heart.

Her life cannot be measured simply by the number of years she lived, but by the people she loved, the lives she touched, the beauty she created, the conversations she shared, the meals she prepared, the encouragement she gave, and the memories she leaves behind.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, Dave Post and Phoebie McGill Post; her brother, Jamie Warren and her bonus sister, Mary McDaniels and niece, Tara Hearn.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her beloved husband of nearly forty years, Willie David Waters; three children, Remond Thomas, LaKenya Thomas, and JaKeela Thomas all of Okolona, AR; nine grandchildren, Shakira Thomas, Tanea Thomas, Malik Jones, Ariel Thomas-Jones, Diamond Jones, Kamiah Thomas, Julia McKnight, Malaysia McKnight and Harleigh Thomas; five great-grandchildren, Malaia Jones, Kyrie Jones, Christian Jones, Mila Perry and Dallas Jones; nine sisters, Kesha Post, Belinda (Michael) Rainey, Patricia Meeks, Andrea Harvey, Jackie Morton, Trentiss (Randy) Smith, Christina (Rodney) Birth, Rachel Post and Grace Post; eight brothers, Harry Post, Wendell Post, Patrick Post, Zachery (Bridget) Post, Wilson (Brenda) Meeks, Jr., Cedric Meeks, Wendall (Dana) Post, and Dave Patrick (Ebony) Post; aunts, Rachel Vaugh and Martha Moore; uncles, Robert (Roberta) McGill and Rev. James (Brenda) McGill; mother-in-law Mary Sue Williams; brothers-in-law James Johnson Jr., and Eddie (Tasha) Waters; sisters-in-law Jackie Waters, Denethia McDaniel, Trina Jones and Veronica (Undra) Spencer; a special cousin, Cassie McGill; her best friends, Helen Miller, Maude Rogers and Jennifer Coleman-Lawyer and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, former clients, coworkers, and many dear friends.

The salon chair may now be empty. The garden may be a little quieter. The domino table has lost one of its players, and that famous coconut pie will certainly be missed. But the love Teresa gave, the laughter she shared, the beauty she created, and the memories she made will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Teresa lived beautifully, loved deeply, laughed freely, and left behind a little more beauty than she found.