Cora Ella McWaters

Cora Ella Freeze McWaters, 93 of Landis, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday morning, January 4, 2025. She was born, September 25,1931, the daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. H. E. Freeze (Dorothy).

Cora, affectionately known to those she loved as “Corky”, faithfully served along with her military veteran husband, H. D. McWaters (Don) who preceded her in death and was an ever vigilant mother as she cared for her children from Fort Bragg, to Panama to Hawaii.

Her beloved Blackwelder Park Baptist Church, Kannapolis, held a cherished place in her heart. Pastor Chad Hayes along with the church family were faithful to visit, share weekly meals, communion, prayer and songs of praise in her home when she could no longer attend in person services. The McWaters Family would like to express sincere appreciation for these tender acts of Christian love.

In addition to her parents and husband Corky is preceded in death by brothers: Albert Freeze, Ray Freeze, Leonard Freeze, Melvin Freeze, Glenn Freeze, and Billie Freeze and sisters: Doris Stilwell, Mary Scarbough, Betty Daniels, and Nancy Clayton.

She is survived by sister Joyce Robbins, (Rodney), daughter Deborah Poplin (Larry) and son, Ricky McWaters (Sharon). Her three granddaughters were the apple of her eye: Avery Poplin, Brittany McWaters and Morgan McWaters and she treasured great granddaughter, Keira Aubrey Linton. She was blessed with 12 nephews and 6 nieces along with many great nephews and nieces.

Corky not only loved her Lord and family but her church family and community as well. As an artisan seamstress, needle worker and crafter she blessed many with her handiwork from; baby layettes, bridal and bridesmaids gowns, cheerleading uniforms, Aloha shirts to precise tailoring etc. Corky was an avid cook, sharing meals with others along with a love for gardening and so enjoyed her camping adventures through the years.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, January 8, 2025, at Whitley’s Funeral home from 6:00-8:00 pm and will gather for a celebration of life on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at her beloved Blackwelder Park Baptist Church, Kannapolis. The body will lie in state from 12:00-1:00 with the service at 1:00, Pastor Chad Hayes presiding. The burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park, Concord.

The family would like to express deepest appreciation for the kindness of her gracious neighbors: Joel, Emily, Hayden, Colt and Ace Gerolimatos who have truly epitomized "love thy neighbor as thy self" through the years. Daily nurse, Mercy, exemplified her name along with her girls Faith, Deborah and little Maggie. Hospice staff and caregivers who assisted in compassionate and dignified care are to be noted for the difference they have made walking alongside our family as Corky moved from this earthly home to her heavenly one: Misty, Amanda A, Amanda J, Carolyn and Tammy. We give thanks God shared each of these with us.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to her beloved Blackwelder Park Baptist Church, 2204 Summit Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28081.