Joyce Elaine Bates Waters, faithful wife and loving mother, passed at the age of 79 on May 5, 2024. She was born on July 24, 1944 in Galesburg, Illinois and received a master’s in psychology. Joyce worked at the Cerebral Palsy Center and was a longtime EBR school psychologist. She was a part of St. George Golden Oaks and served as treasurer; and enjoyed reading, visiting museums, plantations, gardens, seeing plays, taking LSU OLLI classes, visiting with friends and family, and especially enjoyed lunches with her retired coworkers. Joyce never forgot a birthday or an opportunity to send a card, and always made sure we celebrated milestones with a get together, cake included.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years Dr. Thomas J. Waters, Ph. D, daughter Wendy Waters Boyle (Jim), grandchild James Boyle, brothers Roger Bates (Sharon), nieces Kim Timmons, Allison, and Hannah, nephews Tom Bates, Will, and Michael Bates.
She is preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Christine Bates, and brother Phil Bates.
Special thanks to the staff and caretakers at Home Instead and Audubon Hospice for their brief but necessary care during this time.
There will be a visitation held at St. George Catholic Church on Thursday, May 23rd at 1:00 pm, with a service starting at 2:00 pm and burial to follow.
Memorial donations can be made to St. George Catholic Church, Catholic Charities, or the American Heart Association.
2 comments
Lenora James
May 10, 2024 at 12:32 am
I worked with Joyce many years at East Baton Rouge Pupil Appraisal. She was smart, patient and kind.I always enjoyed being around her. My prayers for Tom and Wendy and the rest of the family. I know she will be missed. Keep her memory close to your heart.
Sarah Wolfe
May 9, 2024 at 10:22 pm
Dear Wendy,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved mother. I have so many happy memories of spending time at your home when we were growing up and visiting her home in Galesburg with you and Tom.
We were very lucky to have her kindness, generosity, endless curiosity about the world, and love of the arts as an example to follow.
There are many in her community who will mourn her passing as hers was a life of service, love, compassion, and faithfulness.
I’m holding you, Tom, Jim, and James in my heart.
May your memories of her bring you comfort.
With love,