Deborah Waters

On July 9, 2024, loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Deborah Baretela Waters passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Community Hospice Alice and T. O'Neal Douglas Center for Caring in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 69.

Debbie was born December 8, 1954 to Peter and Loretta Baretela in Brooklyn, NY. The family relocated to Gainesville, FL and then to Savannah, GA where she graduated high school. Eventually, she returned to Gainesville where she had her only child, Caryn.

Debbie had many jobs over the years but her favorite would have to be her years spent at Gainesville Job Corps Center. She loved the kids she worked with like they were family and celebrated their accomplishments the same as she did for her actual family. Her students looked up to her and some remained in contact with her until her last days.

Upon her retirement, Debbie relocated to Raiford, Florida, where she lived with her family for the last several years.

Debbie was a lover of reading, a fan of the beach, and a believer in the power of a good laugh. Her quick wit and humor were infectious, often leaving those around her in stitches. She loved to crochet and if she found out someone was having a baby, she was off to the craft store for yarn. She loved watching her three granddaughters perform in the school band and many a Friday night could be found under the stadium lights waiting for the halftime show, after which she usually left because it wasn’t the game she came to see.

Debbie is survived by her loving family, including her daughter Caryn Perron and Caryn's husband Micah, her granddaughters Hannah, Emma, and Mikayla Perron, sisters Patricia (Billy Ray) Hunter and Loretta (Ashley) Sink, her brother John Baretela and many cherished nieces and nephews. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents Peter and Loretta Baretela, her brother Dennis (Judy) Baretela, and her sister Donna (John) Dignam.

A tribute to her life will be held on August 31, 2024 from 12-3 at the Lulu Community Center
205 SE Community Dr, Lulu, FL 32061. All are welcomed to join her family in remembering her life and light.

Final arrangements for Debbie will take place under the careful direction of Milam Funeral and Cremation Services at 311 S. Main Street. In the spirit of her zest for life, we encourage you to raise a glass, share a laugh, and remember the joy that Debbie brought into every room. We invite you to visit her memorial page, where you can share your favorite "Debbie story," upload photos, and celebrate the life of a woman who made us all smile a little brighter.