Georgia Ann Waterson

Georgia A. Waterson, 91, of Petoskey, passed away February 15, 2026 at Independence Village in Petoskey.

She was born in 1934 in Benzie County, Michigan to George and Ethel (Taylor) Sherriff. She graduated from Honor High School in 1952.

She married Allen Waterson in 1953 and they had 67 wonderful years together. She graduated from Michigan State University with a BA degree in 1968 and taught 5th grade at Platte River Elementary School in Honor, Michigan, from 1968-1973. She worked at the Secretary of State office in Petoskey, Michigan for 20 years.

During her married life she lived in Honor, Petoskey and Alanson, Michigan.

She believed in volunteering her time. She sewed costumes for the Petoskey Madrigal Choir and flags for the Petoskey High School Band. She was a cook for the Midshipmen Drum and Bugle Corps of Petoskey. She served on the Alanson Village council for many years.

Her hobbies included sewing and flower gardening. She and Allen were instrumental in reviving and maintaining the Hillside Gardens in Alanson, Michigan. She was a member of the Honor Congregational Church and the Trinity Missionary Church in Petoskey.

Survived by children, Clair (Debbie), Gary (Carolyn), Jerri (Charles) Bearce, Valerie Waterson, Roger (Jeanne), and Julie (Matt) Saunders, daughter-in-law Wendy Waterson, and by 24 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her husband, Allen, son, Christopher, four sisters, Marian Stoddard, Helen Sherriff, Gladys Waldron, and Betty Wallace.

There will be a private family memorial service this summer. Burial will take place at Veterans' Memorial Gardens in Traverse City.

The family would like to thank McLaren Hospice of Petoskey and the staff at Independence Village.

Memorial donations can be directed to the Hillside Gardens of Alanson, P.O, Box 326, Alanson Ml 49706.