Anita Louise Waterston

Anita S Waterston, affectionately known as "Nita, Nene, and Mimi" went to be with the Lord at the age of 87, on January 30, 2025. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving hospice and Avalon caregivers.

Anita is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Robert Waterston; her parents, John Woodford Shryock and Johnnie Augusta Shryock; her brothers William (Bill) Shryock of Phoenix, AZ; Donald Gilbert Shryock from El Dorado, AK, and sister Janet Shryock Strickland from Plano, TX.

Anita is survived by; her brother Woody Shryock of Tucson, AZ and his wife Patty Shryock; her sister Janis Dembach and wife Marion Wagner in Hamburg, Germany; her three children: Robert Steven Waterston, Kenneth Wayne Waterston and his wife Cindy Moore Waterston; and Sheri Lynne Mabe and her husband James Lloyd Mabe, Jr.; Their two granddaughters: Monica Lynne Waterston and wife Erika Brown; and Rachel Marie Braddock and husband Michael Braddock and their children: great-grandson Kaine Lewis Braddock and great-granddaughter Kora Faye Braddock; their two step-grandchildren: Taylor Austin Parks and his wife Andrea, and great-granddaughter Olivia Parks; and Tori Parks Jones and her husband Jordan and their children, great-grandsons: Jack, Witten, and Clayton.

Anita was born in Camden, Arkansas on February 20, 1937. Anita was named after a beautiful movie star, “Anita Louise”. She was raised in Brinkley, Arkansas where she attended high school and graduated in 1955. Anita had a magnetic personality and was very popular in school. She was a cheerleader and part of the student counsel at Brinkley High. She attended the Arkansas Girls State program to study fundamental aspects of citizenship and practical government. She was also the runner-up in the Miss Brinkley pageant. After high school she moved to Little Rock, AK with her friend, Dee Watson Rolwing, who introduced her to Bob. They married six weeks later. Anita and Bob started their family in Little Rock where Robert Steven was born. Bob was transferred to Loring AFB in Limestone, Maine, and along came Kenneth Wayne and Sheri Lynne. After five years of freezing cold in Maine, Bob got his final transfer and off the family went to Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, Texas.

Anita and Bob built a home on Wrigley Way in Wedgwood and settled down to raise their three kids. Anita loved flowers and worked as a florist, which led to her cherished hobby: wreath making and floral arrangements. She took great joy in transforming her home to reflect the festive spirit of each season, holiday, and special occasions. Her creativity and attention to detail made her home a welcoming and vibrant place throughout the years.

Anita was one of the leaders in the Wedgewood United Methodist Church from its beginning. She hosted the very first meeting, before there was a facility, in her backyard. Anita and Bob became Charter Members of the church. She was the administrative officer and assistant to the pastor for 5 years. She was a counselor in the youth department and served in many offices in the church over the years. She and Bob gave fully of themselves in every phase of the church’s life and afterward in the succeeding Genisis Congregation.

Anita was also an actor in the neighborhood skit club and performed in assorted plays. She was in the PTA, a den mother and supported the kids alone for long periods of time while Bob was away on duty. It was Anita's love, strength, caring heart and sweet nature that kept the family close.

Anita was active in a book club, Oktoberfest, and her Birthday Bunch. Together they were able to focus on Bridge Club, Parties, Music and Traveling. Anita and her church friends eventually became her Bridge Club. She made sure to throw holiday parties to keep everyone engaged. Anita loved Music. They attended 4 Elvis concerts along with Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond. They decided to embrace the RV life and loved taking their grandchildren on trips. Anita enjoyed visiting family, friends, and historical sites. They joined an RV club and rallied with them across Texas and America for years. Some of their favorite vacation spots were Las Vegas and Hawaii. Anita loved cruising; the Panama Canal was her favorite, followed by Alaska. On their 50th wedding anniversary, Anita and Bob hosted the entire family on a Caribbean cruise.

Anita’s Interment Service is scheduled for Tuesday February 25th at 3 pm. Lane one; at the DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy in Dallas, TX followed by a procession to the columbarium. In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Anita S Waterston to http://stjude.org/givehope or plant a tree; https://sympathy.teleflora.com/funeral-sympathy-collection/memorial-trees

A memorial and celebration of Bob and Anita’s lives is Tuesday, March 4th at 1 o’clock, at Genisis United Methodist Church, 7635 Hulen Ft Worth 76133. This service will be followed by a reception with the family and streamed on YouTube, follow the QRCode and be sure to go to the Live channel