Honoring the Legacy of Mr. Waters
Garfield Waters Funeral Home, located in West Garfield Park on the West Side of Chicago, Illinois, was established in 1997 by Mr. Alfonso Isaac Waters, Sr. and his late wife, Willie Neil Wallace-Waters. Introduced to the funeral service industry at the early age of 14, Mr. Waters developed a lifelong passion for helping families and serving the community.
His dedication to funeral service was rooted in family tradition. His late father, James Waters Jr., and late grandfather, James Waters Sr., owned and operated funeral homes in Cordele, Georgia, known as the “Watermelon Capital of the World.” Inspired by their example, Mr. Waters continued the family’s tradition of providing compassionate and dignified care to families in their time of need.
Today, Zakia Gaston-Hobbs and Keith Hobbs are honored to continue the legacy of Mr. Waters and the family business he entrusted to their care. With deep respect for the foundation he built, they remain committed to preserving the values of compassion, dignity, and personalized service that families have come to trust.
As a licensed funeral director and embalmer with more than 20 years of experience, Zakia brings professional expertise and heartfelt compassion to each family she serves. Keith, as owner, plays an important role in supporting the funeral home’s vision, mission, and daily operations. Together, they are dedicated to carrying the Waters legacy forward with care, professionalism, and respect.
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Zakia Gaston-Hobbs, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer and Owner
Zakia Gaston-Hobbs is a remarkable individual whose life is a testament to her unwavering commitment to serving others. As the founder of Agape Waters Funeral Home, she has made a significant impact on the lives of grieving families in the Chicagoland and suburban areas.With a diverse career spanning from early childhood education to mortuary science, Zakia has consistently demonstrated a passion for helping families and communities. Her journey began in early childhood education, where she spent over a decade nurturing young minds and supporting families. This experience laid the foundation for her compassionate approach to human interaction.Zakia earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from Malcolm X College and a Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Mortuary Science. Zakia has been a professor for over 20 years in the Mortuary Science Program at one of the City Colleges of Chicago. She is passionate about teaching her students how to be successful and how to demonstrate professionalism in the funeral service industry.Zakia’s career in mortuary science has been equally impressive. She has worked as a funeral director and embalmer for over 20 years, providing comfort and guidance to grieving families during their most difficult times. Her experience in managing funeral homes and her deep understanding of the industry have made her a respected figure in the field.Beyond her professional accomplishments, Zakia is a devoted mother and wife. She and her husband, Keith, have raised two wonderful children, Zaria and Kody. Her family serves as a constant source of inspiration and support, and her love for them is evident in everything she does.Zakia’s commitment to service extends beyond her immediate family and professional roles. She is actively involved in her community, offering counseling and support to children and families in need.Her dedication to helping others is truly inspiring, and her impact on the lives of countless individuals is immeasurable.
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Keith Hobbs, Owner
Keith Hobbs is the backbone of Agape Waters Funeral Home, serving as the driving force behind the organization’s daily operations and long-term strategic direction. With a deep commitment to compassionate service, Keith oversees the overarching vision of the business, ensuring that every family served is treated with the utmost dignity, respect, and care during their most challenging moments.As the visionary leader of Agape Waters, Keith bridges the gap between traditional, honored funeral practices and innovative, personalized memorialization. His leadership is grounded in the philosophy of "Agape"—unconditional, selfless love—which he instills into the company culture and every aspect of community service.Under his guidance, Agape Waters Funeral Home continues to grow as a trusted sanctuary for healing, remembrance, and celebration of life. Keith's steadfast dedication to excellence and his unwavering support for both his team and the community make him an indispensable pillar of the business.
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Shari Williams, Dedicated Team Member
Shari Williams has been a dedicated member of Garfield Waters Funeral Home for more than 20 years. Known for her compassion, professionalism, and steady leadership, she has helped families through some of their most difficult moments. Her long-standing service has helped ensure that families receive respectful, comforting, and personalized care. Shari’s dedication and experience make her an invaluable part of the funeral home’s legacy.
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Eliza Bonds, Administrative Assistant
Ms. Eliza Bonds is an experienced administrative assistant who has dedicated several years to serving families with compassion and professionalism at Garfield Waters Funeral Home.
