Louise S. McWaters' Obituary
Louise S. McWaters (July 16, 1929 – September 14, 2023) of Memphis, Tennessee known to everyone as “Bebe” was born in Sylacauga, Alabama, the daughter of Tommie Lou and Hoke Smith. She was loved by all who knew her, and would light up the room with her iconic Southern drawl, and her rendering of stories.
Bebe graduated from Sylacauga High School, and followed her heart to her beloved University of Alabama where she was head cheerleader for the Crimson Tide, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and Who’s Who Among American Colleges. Her lifelong best friend, Jim Nabors, tried to lure her to a career in Hollywood; however, she decided to teach and coach at Auburn University. During her tenure as the first female Recreation Director for the City of Montgomery, Alabama, Bebe met a handsome Naval aviator, William Alexander McWaters, Jr. (Bill).
Bebe and Bill were married in 1954, and traveled the world during Bill’s career. After settling in Memphis in 1971, Bebe started a career in real estate which eventually led to founding her own company, McWaters and Associates Realtors; one of the first female-owned firms in the city. Her career spanned more than fifty years; earning her numerous leadership and unselfish service awards and positions in the industry while mentoring hundreds along the way. She was named Realtor of the Year, served on the Board of Directors for the Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR), and presided over the Multi Million Dollar Club. Bebe was an avid tennis player whose prowess got her to the Southern Championships in the 1980’s.
Bebe is survived by her husband, Bill, of almost 70 years; her three children: Bill (Penne), Nancy Cowan (Tim), and Lee; eight grandchildren: Will Cowan, Drew Cowan, (Briana), Hunter Cowan (Miller), Alex McWaters (Sydney), Thomas McWaters, Smith McWaters, Mary Virginia McWaters, and Billy McWaters; and three great grandchildren: Caroline, Chase, and McNeilly Cowan.
We are all so grateful for our wonderful “angle team” of caregivers: Teresa S., Rhonda,, Willy Teresa H., Kennitha, BeBack, and the loving staff at Harbor Chase Germantown. You all have truly been the hands and feet of Jesus.
Bebe was a longtime member of Independent Presbyterian Church. On Thursday, September 28 a visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. followed by a reception all at Independent Presbyterian Church (4738 Walnut Grove Road). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be sent to The Kosten Foundation of Pancreatic Research, MIFA, Youth Villages, Independent Presbyterian Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
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