Chesapeake-Barbara Ann Gray Waters, lovingly known by her family and childhood friends as "Bah-brain", was born on November 8, 1948, in Sussex County, Virginia to the late Madison Gray and Cynthia Davis Gray Barrow. She lived a rich and meaningful life that spanned 76 years.

Barbara Ann's early life was rooted in rural Waverly, Virginia where her strong spirit and love for life began to blossom. As a teenager, she was a cheerleader and moved to Richmond, Virginia, with her great aunt. As an adult, she made homes in Chesapeake, Surry, Norfolk, Houston, and San Diego — touching lives wherever she went.

Barbara Ann was employed for 28 years and 7 months at Norfolk Naval Base as an Information Technology Specialist, retiring on December 31, 2011.  Outside of her career, she lived a life of faith and service. Barbara Ann loved the Canton Spirituals and the Mississippi Mass Choir. For many decades, she was a proud member of the Bethany Baptist Usher Board. Even when her health began to decline, her heart remained with her church.

Barbara Ann was preceded in death by her father Madison Gray; her mother,Cynthia Gray; her brothers: Donald Gray and Michael Gray; and her first born grandson, Austin Baynard.  She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters: Twanda Waters Bryant (Brian) and Tanya Waters Person (Torre); four grandchildren: Myles Baynard (Raylyn), Joshua Bryant, Jeremiah Bryant, and BriAnn Skinner; three sisters: Theresa Gray Jones (Clarence) Phillis Gray Johnson (Michael) and Sandra Gray Turner; three brothers: Frank Gray (Barbara), Madison Gray, Jr (Darlene) and
Efferem Gray; 9 nieces; 6 nephews;a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Rest peacefully, Barbara Ann— our sister, our mother, our grandmother, our aunt, our cousin, our friend. You were deeply loved and will always be missed and never be forgotten.

A funeral service will be held 11:00am Friday; August 8, 2025 at Fitchett-Mann Funeral Services; 1821 E. Liberty Street; Chesapeake, VA  23324.  Viewing will be 1 hour prior to service.  Please keep the family in your prayers.