Gilmer County Schools’ nutrition director Linda Waters unexpectedly passed away Wednesday, March 24.
Waters held the position for four years and was often lauded at board of education meetings for her commitment to serving the students of Gilmer County.
“She was one of the most selfless and giving people I’ve ever encountered in my life,” said superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs during an interview. “She thrived working in the school environment caring for kids. I can’t say enough good things about what she did and how dedicated she was to our students.”
Water’s used a hands-on approach and her role was not limited to sitting behind a desk.
“She would go to the ends of the earth to do great things for the school system, the children and her colleagues,” Downs said. “She would bring food for me to try and she would engage the students with taste testing. She always cared about what the kids thought about the quality of the food.”
In addition to attention to food served, Waters and her colleagues kept the nutrition department financially solvent. She kept a close eye on available grants and secured funds for the system when available.
Waters continually took advantage of USDA food surpluses and made sure the system’s kitchens were stocked.
“She would call me often; evenings, nights and weekends about whatever concerns she had about things she needed to take care of. She was just on top of everything and so committed.”
Waters also played an integral role in organizing the Seamless Summer feeding program to ensure students did not go hungry over summer vacation. When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools last March, some districts were caught off guard and had to put their program on hold.
Waters contacted the state immediately and secured food for the county’s youth who were fed last spring and summer until classes resumed in the fall.
When Clear Creek Elementary School opens its doors for the 2021-2022 school year, Waters’ legacy will be remembered.
“We have ordered a dedication plaque for the new Clear Creek Elementary School lunchroom so it can be dedicated in memory of Mrs. Linda Waters, who very unexpectedly passed away. We’d like to set a date once the school is open to hold a dedication ceremony,” Downs said at Monday’s board of education work session.
“That was kind of the crown jewel for her designing that kitchen and cafeteria, so I think that will be very special.”