Willie Lee Foster

Willie Lee “Bill” Foster, 99, passed away on March 26, 2026, at home in Cosby, Texas.

 She was born on April 28, 1926, in Groveton, Texas to Walter Thomas and Leeola Abernathy. Early in her life, her family moved to Houston near the community of Manchester. This is where, in her late teens, she met and married Jerrell Wayne Foster from Arkansas City, Arkansas. They had been married for 56 years when he preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son Larry Wayne Foster and later by her son Jerry Lee Foster, parents Walter Thomas Abernathy and Leeola Jackson, siblings Walter Thomas Abernathy Jr, Nina May Hall, Juanita Daniel, Mary Frances Moore, Minnie Kimich.

“Bill” is survived by her daughters Mary Jane Williams and husband Gene of Crosby, Texas, and Carolyn Reese and husband Elmo (Brad) of New Caney, and niece whom she raised Rachele Barber and husband Jared of Onalaska, Texas, 17 grandchildren, 50+ great-grandchildren, over 80 great-great-grandchildren, plus numerous nieces and nephews