Darlene Waters

October 2, 1949 – June 8, 2026

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Fixing in the Boro, continuing Darlene's lifelong commitment to the care and protection of animals.

https://fixingtheboro.com

Darlene Waters, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on October 2, 1949, Darlene dedicated her life to serving others through education, faith, community involvement, and her unwavering love for family and animals. She spent more than 30 years as a teacher and remedial reading specialist in Evans and Bulloch Counties, where she touched the lives of countless students. Her patience, compassion, and commitment to helping children succeed left a lasting impact on generations of families throughout the community.

Darlene was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Statesboro and St. Paul Orthodox Church in Savannah. Her faith guided her throughout her life, and she joyfully shared her gifts through years of choir singing and service to her church communities.

Known for her kind heart and adventurous spirit, Darlene loved to travel and experience new places and cultures. She was also deeply devoted to animal welfare and operated her own animal rescue, dedicating countless hours to caring for and finding homes for animals in need.

A cherished member of the community, Darlene was a loving friend to many and was admired for her generosity, warmth, and willingness to help others. As an identical twin, she shared a special lifelong bond with her family that brought her great joy.

Above all, Darlene was a devoted mother and grandmother. Nothing made her prouder than her son, David DePratter, and her beloved grandchildren, Shannon DePratter and Dawson DePratter. She celebrated their accomplishments, supported their dreams, and treasured every moment spent with them.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Perman Waters, and her brother, James Bernard Hebel.

She is survived by her son, David DePratter; her brother, Thomas Hebel; her sister and identical twin, Marlene "Molly" Helen Doukas; her grandchildren, Shannon DePratter and Dawson DePratter; and her nephews, Nicholas Doukas and William Doukas, along with many extended family members, friends, former students, and community members who will forever cherish her memory.

Darlene's legacy of love, compassion, service, and dedication to others will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 3:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Bulloch Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are being handled by Bulloch Funeral Care and Cremation Services.