Mother Elizabeth Atwater

Mother Elizabeth Atwater was born on November 29, 1937, in Opelika (Lee County), Alabama, to the union of the late Robert & Martha (Filmore) Nelms. She was one of eight children. She attended early education and graduated from high school in Auburn, Alabama. She also attended and graduated from The Po-Roe Cosmetology School in Birmingham, Alabama, as a Licensed Cosmetologist. She worked as a home caregiver to those in need.

She attended Mount Sinai Baptist Church and was baptized at an early age. Elizabeth relocated to Columbus, Ohio, to join her sister-in-law, Ruth Scott. She rededicated her life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit under the tutelage of the late Bishop C.W. Davis (Shady Grove Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio).

On August 18, 1968, Elizabeth united in Holy Matrimony to the late Collin Atwater. Together they raised two daughters: Carla & Calandra. On their journey together, Collin Atwater became the Pastor of Mount Moriah Church, Columbus, Ohio. Elizabeth became First Lady for over 35 years, doing the will of the master. She committed her life to serving the lord. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family and entertaining friends, cooking and feeding them as well. Mother Elizabeth was not only a First Lady at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, but she also later joined New Tabernacle Church of Christ under Bishop John Dallis and has been a faithful and dedicated member. Mother Atwater, as she was affectionately known for singing inspirational songs and hymns of the church like: “12 Gates to the City” & “I said I wasn’t Gonna tell Nobody But, I Just Couldn’t Keep it To Myself”. Mother Atwater worked diligently in various ministries within the church, such as Deaconess & Trustee Boards and Church Mother of New Tabernacle Church of Christ.

Mother Atwater was known for being a go-getter and for active fundraising efforts with the help of Sister Blankenship, Brother & Sister Hodge, and Sister Julia Arnold. Mother Atwater was lovingly well-taken care of in the comfort of her home by her daughters: Carla Atwater-Green & Calendra Atwater-Robinson, & Family during her health decline until she answered the call of the Master on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Mother Elizabeth N. Atwater was a faithful & dedicated member of New Tabernacle Church of Christ, Columbus, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Robert & Martha (Filmore) Nelms; her husband: Pastor Collin Atwater; Aunt-(Mother-Figure): Tabitha Hutchinson, Brothers: A.D, Robert Lee Jr., Willie (Ed-Lee), David Lee, Napoleon, Noble & Jamie Lee. Grandsons: Tyree Robinson &Taye Green.

She leaves to cherish her memory of her children: Carla (Oliver) Green & Calandra Robinson & David N. Atwater. Grandchildren: DeJanero Greggs, Jalen (Sinclair) Robinson, Bralen Greggs, Ryan Greggs, Cameron Robinson, Kiondre & Ke’Marquez Green. Great-Grand Children: Luna, Beau, Jalen Jr, Nehemiah, Na’Sya, Noah, Kamiya &Cameron Jr. Brothers: Johnnie. Nelms, Tommie (Vickey) Nelms Nelms,  Tazza Nelms(Beverly Nelms & Buddy Nelms. Sister: Olivia (Roy) Blankenship, Yalanda Zellers-Jackson, Charlie Mae Parker; Sisters-in-laws: Pastor Elizabeth Hodge & Eliza Atwater. Special Friend Wanda and Donza Mathis; special Nephews Dexter Nelms, Willie Nelms, and Rickey Nelms, A host of nieces, nephews, friends & The New Tabernacle Church of Christ Church Family