Debbie Marie Waters

Debbie Marie Waters, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on the evening of August 18, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her. She was 71 years old. Debbie was born on March 9, 1955, in Fresno, California, the middle child of three sisters. In 1961, her family moved to San Jose, California, where she grew up and graduated from Camden High School in 1973. Following graduation, Debbie moved to Santa Cruz, where she worked as a cocktail waitress and met the man who would become her husband, Johnny. Debbie and Johnny were married in California and later moved to Louisiana to be closer to Johnny’s father. They eventually settled in Sulphur, Louisiana, where they built their home and welcomed twins, Brian and Jennifer. Debbie became an active member of the twins club, where she formed many lifelong friendships and treasured the community that surrounded her family. Debbie found joy in many things throughout her life. She loved shopping, gardening, and traveling, but perhaps nothing brought her greater happiness than being a Grammy to her granddaughter, Evelyn. Some of her happiest moments were spent sitting on her front porch with a cup of coffee, praying for her family and giving thanks for the blessings in her life. Her faith was a central part of who Debbie was. She was an active and devoted member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Sulphur, where she was a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King. She also served on staff for local Cursillo retreats, sharing her faith and encouraging others along their spiritual journeys. Debbie also found great joy and friendship through selling Beauty Control makeup. What began as a business became another way for her to connect with people, deepen friendships, and bring joy to those around her. Her warmth, generosity, and genuine interest in others made her friendships lasting and meaningful. Debbie is survived by her son, Brian Waters; her daughter, Jennifer Koplos (James); her beloved granddaughter, Evelyn Koplos; as well as her sisters Linda Mayberry (Jay), Sandy Economou (Mark), niece Alicia Theule (Casey), nephews Adam Mayberry, Ben Mayberry (Jessica), Paul Economou (Heather), and Kyle Economou (Nicole), and their beautiful children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Allen Waters, in May of 2026 as well as her mother, Mary Agnes Bonvini, in 2010. Debbie will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her generous spirit, her deep faith, her infectious friendship, and the countless ways she made others feel loved and welcomed. Her family will forever cherish the memories of her laughter, her prayers, her kindness, and the love she poured into those around her.

Services for Debbie will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 1 PM at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Sulphur. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mohammed Khan and his team at Lake Charles Memorial, as well as Harbor Hospice, for the compassionate care and support they provided Debbie during her final weeks. Though she is deeply missed, Debbie’s love and legacy will live on in her children, granddaughter, family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.