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Beth Waters, lawyer, community activist

Beth Waters, 45, was an "advocate of treating people fair and being tolerant. "

By EMILY NIPPS
Published December 10, 2006

TAMPA - Friends and family members gathered at Beth Waters' South Tampa home on Saturday, remembering a little girl who exuded energy and a woman who stood up for those who needed an ally.

Ms. Waters, who was general counsel for Lykes Brothers Inc. and an activist for several local causes, died Friday (Dec. 8, 2006) after an 18-month battle with breast cancer. She was 45.

Although her more high-profile work was defending and speaking on behalf of the Lykes empire, she also worked passionately for the Spring of Tampa Bay, the state's largest domestic violence shelter.

"The rabbi (overseeing the memorial service) was asking what she did and didn't like, and I said she really doesn't like men who beat women," said Jeanna Brannon, Ms. Waters' friend. "She was such an advocate of treating people fair and being tolerant."

She also spearheaded the revitalization of Kate Jackson Park in the late '90s and served on the Mayor's Beautification Program board of trustees.

Despite a successful career with Lykes - she was a finalist for Tampa Bay's Executive Woman of the Year in 2005 - she was active with volunteer and charity organizations.

Ms. Waters' older brother, Steve, said he thought her energy would never run out, even when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, then saw it return 18 months ago after years in remission.

"Even when she was a girl, she was always in dancing and gymnastics, always this little buzz saw of activity," he said. "And she was destined to be an attorney. She would always challenge you and argue with you."

Ms. Waters was mother to 12-year-old Austin and 10-year-old Esme Yarnell, whom she doted on, and she adored her standard poodle Destiny and cat Samantha, Brannon said.

She is also survived by her parents, Lloyd and Ruth Waters, grandmother Mae Iskin, sister Debra Waters, sister-in-law Sharon Waters and nephew Travis Waters.

Brannon said 300 to 400 people are expected to attend today's memorial service, which is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W Swann Ave.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Spring of Tampa Bay, P.O. Box 4772, Tampa, 33677, or LifePath Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele St., Tampa, 33609.

[Last modified December 10, 2006, 01:01:11]