Katrina Renee (Kennedy) Waters

 Katrina Kennedy Waters

On Tuesday, November 6, 2025, Katrina Kennedy Waters transitioned from labor to rest, passing peacefully at her home in Ocala, Florida, surrounded by love and comfort.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 14, 1974, to Kathy Lynette James and Freddie Lee Kennedy, Katrina Renee Kennedy Waters grew up in Marion County, Florida. She graduated from North Marion High School in 1992, where her compassion for others and gift for communication began to shine.

Katrina pursued her passion for communication sciences at the University of Central Florida, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Communicative Disorders in May 1997 and her Master’s Degree in 1999. In June 2001, she earned her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), a milestone that marked the beginning of a distinguished and meaningful career.

Professional Career

Katrina began her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist with the Orange County Public Schools. In 2001, she returned home to Marion County, joining the Monroe Regional Medical Center’s Speech and Hearing Center, where she touched countless lives through her expertise and compassion.

In 2008, Katrina transitioned to private contracting, providing speech-language pathology services for Marion County Public Schools—a role she proudly held until 2022. and also Her tireless dedication helped children and families find their voices, leaving a legacy of care, professionalism, and love for her community.

Katrina was also a proud and active member of several organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Marion County, and Toastmasters International, and she served on the Early Learning Coalition. Her leadership and service extended far beyond her profession, embodying her belief in empowering others and uplifting her community

Personal Life

On June 15, 2002, Katrina married her longtime friend and love, David Waters. Their union was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Devyn Waters, born in 2003, who became the light of Katrina’s life. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, faith, and love.

Legacy

Katrina’s life was defined by service. Service to her family, her profession, and her community. She dedicated her days to helping others find their voice, and her warmth, wisdom, and grace touched everyone who knew her.

Though her time on earth has ended, the impact of her kindness, strength, and selfless spirit will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know her

Katrina was preceded in death by her parents, Freddie Kennedy and Kathy James,  Brother Reginal Sherod James, Sr.;Grandparents Clyde Sr, and Alza Kennedy,Willie and Ida Brown

Katrina leaves to cherish her precious memories: 
A Devoted Husband David Waters, Daughter Devyn Waters, Sisters: Erin James, Michele James; Brothers: Daren James, Sr., Rev. Mikel James (Jasmine); Nieces Remari James, Jaelynn Mann,Mikenzie James, Nephews Reginal James, Jr., Daren James, Jr., and Remarion James. Aunts: Gloria Butler, Billie Hudson, Annie Barbour, Cheryl Baker (Jimmie); Margret Wise, Gail Kennedy, Alzora Kennedy. Uncle: Clyde Kennedy Jr. God Mother: Connie Poole-Thompson Sister in Law: Sabelitha Mitchell-Moore. A dedicated Mother in Law Deloris Waters Barriner. She also leaves a host of close family members, friends and her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incoperated Sisterhood.

Professional services are entrusted to Hadley-Brown Funeral Home, 127 N.W. 20th Street, Ocala, Florida 34475. (352)620-0573.

“Providing Unparalleled Service and Compassion”

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