History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Garfield Waters Funeral Home located in West Garfield Park on the West side of Chicago, IL is an owned and operated funeral service provider established in 1997 by Mr. Alfonso Isaac Waters, Sr. and late wife, Willie Neil Wallace-Waters. Mr. Waters was introduced to the funeral home industry at an early age of 14 and instantly developed a passion for helping and servicing the community. His late father, James Waters Jr. and late grandfather, James Waters Sr. owned and operated their first funeral homes in Cordele, GA, known as the ‘Watermelon Capital of the World'. It was his aspiration to continue the family’s love and tradition of providing superb services to families in time of need.  He hopes to pass on the knowledge and love of caring for others to his children and grandchildren. 

Our Valued Staff

  • Mr. Alfonso Isaac Waters

    Mr. Alfonso Isaac Waters, Owner, Funeral Director

    After graduating from high school in Tampa, FL, Mr. Waters moved to Macon, GA to pursue a career in the funeral home industry while working as a police officer to support his family. Soon after, he was drafted during the Vietnam War in 1962 servicing the U.S. Army. Upon completion, he moved to Chicago, IL to attend Worsham School of Mortuary and Science where he later received a degree in Mortuary Science. Thenceforth, his journey continued. He also worked and retired from the United States Postal Service after 30 dedicated and faithful years. During this time, he heavily invested in the real estate market where he acquired a motel and many residential houses and multi-family apartment units throughout the Chicago, Miller, Midlothian, St. Anne, Indiana and Michigan area.?Mr. Waters is highly involved with the daily operations of the funeral home and has an entrusted interest in each family member and makes it his priority to assure that each family feels comfortable and can rest assure that their loved one is thoroughly taken care of. Because of his love and compassion for families in the surrounding community, he has demonstrated astounding love and provided outreach services for families with financial challenges. To validate his compassionate love for families in bereavement, in 2015 he purchased 4 buildings and a sizable lot surrounding Garfield Waters Funeral Home in an effort to increase the parking facility to better services all families and has also incorporated a state-of-the-art water fountain centered in the parking area to signify his humbly accomplishments in loving memory of his mom and dad.