Eloise Oakley Waters

Eloise Oakley Waters of Shalimar died February 20, 2024, at the age of 94.

She was born in Dothan, Alabama on July 7, 1929, to Walter F. Oakley, Jr. and Florrie Fields Oakley. A native of Columbia, Alabama, she was an honor graduate of Houston County High School, attended Brenau College in Gainesville, GA and received Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Alabama where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She and her late husband, Fred Parker Waters, were married on June 30, 1951, and immediately made their home in Fort Walton Beach and later Shalimar. Eloise was employed by the Okaloosa County School Board from 1951 until her retirement in 1985. She served as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor and administrator. Her last position was from 1978-85 as an assistant principal at Pryor Junior High School. She was active in local civic and educational organizations, having served as president of the FWB Junior Woman's Club, president of AHOY (Fort Walton Power Squadron Auxiliary), Vice Regent of Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter DAR and a long-time volunteer at the Shalimar Library. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. She was an avid Alabama fan! Roll Tide! After her retirement, she and her husband traveled extensively world-wide until his failing health prevented them from doing so. He preceded her in death in April 1999. She completed four world cruises and enjoyed traveling as well as gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, socializing with her YaYa Sisters, and feeding her wild birds. On her 80th birthday, she enjoyed parasailing and her only ride on a motorcycle. To celebrate her 90th birthday, she cruised to Alaska with her son, Parker, and his family. Her greatest joy and love, however, were her grandchildren. She is survived by one son, F. Parker Waters, Jr. (Dena); grandchildren Lauren Waters Knapp (Mark), Ashleigh Waters Brasseaux (Brennen), Jonathan Waters, David Main, Jr., Katherine Main and two great-grandchildren, all of New Orleans. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Walter F. Oakley, III and Donald F. Oakley and one sister Nancilu Oakley Underwood. The family would like to express their gratitude to her close friends, Not Your Ordinary Caregivers and Emerald Coast Hospice for their loving support and care in her final days.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at McLaughlin Mortuary on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Shalimar Library, 115 Richbourg Ave., Shalimar, or Children in Crisis, 1000 Luke’s Way, Fort Walton Beach or your favorite charity.

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