JACKSONVILLE – Gwendolyn "Gwen" Anna Waters, 86, died on July 7, 2022, at her residence in Jacksonville, NC. A visitation is planned for 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2022, with Rev. Mike Shivar officiating at Jones Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville. A graveside service will follow at Onslow Memorial Park in Jacksonville.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Elma Gerbeling, and granddaughter, Jennifer McMurtrey.

Gwen is survived by her husband, Billy Waters of the home; four children, Debra Laws of Wilmington, Denise Bell of Jacksonville, Scott Graham of Wilmington, & Michelle Kleisner of Ramseur; eleven grandchildren, Seth Laws, Chris Laws, Reina Laws, Allen Bell, Michael Bell, Timmy Laws, Rebekah Cihocki, Jessica Stamer, Lauren Medeiros, Stephen Kleisner, and Matthew Kleisner; sixteen great-grandchildren with another on the way, and one great-great grandchild with another on the way.

Gwen's career was being the matriarch and executive homemaker of her beautiful home. She was always up for an adventure and loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed going on bus tours, gospel concerts, church functions, and loved fellowship with people. She enjoyed doing many crafts like her hundreds of homemade Christmas ornaments, playing Words With Friends on her tablet, and watching basketball on the television.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 1522 Burgaw Hwy, Jacksonville, NC 28540.