Karen "Kate" Waters

Karen Janell Waters was born on June 19,1961 in Picayune, Mississippi. She was born to Jesse waters and Ruby Jones. Though she loved the South she was determined to move to Portland, Or with her family in 1972.
In 1973-1975 she attended Gregory heights Middle school where her track team set a city record in the 440-yard relay. Karen’s nickname on the team was “Firecracker”.

Karen went on to graduate from Adams High school in 1978 with a 3.0 GPA. She also attended Portland community college for a year majoring in Business Administration.

After college, Karen went to work for various school districts, including 18 years with Portland public schools, as a custodian. She did this work for a total of 28 years before retiring in 2007 as an assistant supervisor.

Karen’s final years were made difficult due to the progression of
Huntington’s disease. Despite the disease’s effects, This Mother, Sister,
Teacher, stayed upbeat and strong. Her joy was her family, and family was always near.

Preceding Karen in death are her parents, Jessie and Rubie Waters; sisters, Ocie Durr, Gladys Waters.

Karen is survived by her two daughters, Shamika Weems and Teonna Aden, her son Cliffton Green, 4 grandchildren Ernest Oliver IV, Tiyanni Neau, Sarai Aden,  Amir Green, and her companion in life for the past 28 years Clifford Green; siblings, Evelyn Marks (Richard), Georgia Lee ( James Bender), Jesse Waters (Willa Mae), Ezell Waters, Arthur Jones (Margot) and a host of nieces , nephews and extended family.

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