Born in Lee County, Alabama, to the late John Wise McClendon and Lodie Mae Underwood McClendon. Annette spent her early years in Shawmut, Alabama and later moved to LaFayette. She was a 1957 graduate of LaFayette High School and continued her education at Auburn University where she became one of the first women to graduate with a pharmacy degree in 1961.

In 1962, she married her high school sweetheart and best friend, Chester Owen Waites. They were married for forty-six years until his death in 2008. Annette was a member of First Methodist Church Lafayette where she held many leadership positions including Sunday School teacher, PPR chairman, pianist, and youth leader. She was a faithful follower of Christ and enjoyed studying God's Word. She was a forty year member of the Tohopeka Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Some of Annette's hobbies included cooking, gardening, swimming, and playing bridge. She was also an avid Auburn fan. In addition to these activities, spending time with her grandchildren and watching them grow up brought joy to her heart. “Grandmother” as she was called, was most loving, generous, and self-sacrificing for them and they are sincerely grateful for her influence on their lives as are her daughter and son-in-law. She will be greatly missed.

Annette was preceded in death by her husband Chester Owen Waites. She is survived by her daughter DeAnne Benedict, son-in-law Carl Benedict and three grandchildren Cara, Colson, and Chloe Benedict of Alabaster AL.