Leota Eilene Foster

1931 - 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mrs. Leota Eilene Smith Foster at the age of 92. Born March 12, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri, the youngest daughter of Frank and Leota Smith. She passed peacefully in her sleep the night of October 3, 2023 at Porta Caeli House, near her home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

She married the love of her life, Richard Lee Foster, on August 23, 1953 in Joplin, Missouri. Together, they dedicated their lives to serving God. After earning a Master's in Theology, Richard's ministry career brought them to Tulsa, where they purchased a home and built a life firmly founded on the word of God. Richard served at Riverview Church in Bixby, Oklahoma, as well as later holding a leadership position at the Tulsa Metro Baptist Association for many years, and earning a Doctor of Psychology. Lee was particularly proud of how Richard used both these specialties to aid others in spiritual and emotional need. It was one of Lee's greatest joys to serve the Lord alongside her husband. She loved sharing stories of her life as a preacher's wife, and fondly referred to her role as 'the hardest job' because it required her to make many sacrifices so that her husband could serve members of the congregation.

Together, Richard and Lee were the proud parents of their only daughter, Deborah Leota Foster, born October 6, 1962. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard, who passed away at the age of 66 in 1996 of cancer. Ten years later, Lee lost her daughter Debbie to multiple sclerosis in 2006. As a widow, she survived her husband another 27 years, remembering him always with a photo she carried in her wallet, her wedding ring, and countless memories stored in her heart. She spoke of him lovingly all of the days of her life. She tirelessly cared for her ailing daughter and lived the remaining 17 years of her life after Debbie's passing as a strong independent woman of God.

She is fondly remembered by many as the lady who worked at the Baptist Book Store in Tulsa. Well into her senior years, she ventured into a new career as a cashier at Michael's Crafts Store. Tiny but mighty, she was determined to continue working as long as she was able. When management began cutting her hours, she fought and won a case of age discrimination, and continued working as head cashier until she finally retired at the age of 85. Despite chronic battles with serious lung conditions, she persevered.

Lee was a lifelong lover of all animals, especially dogs. She was particularly fond of her champion Akitas, Tic Toc and Mrs. Darling, and enjoyed showing them at AKC dog shows. Her last Akita, Nana, was a rescue dog and was Lee's loyal companion for the remaining years of her life.

Lee was an avid reader and accredits her sharp mind to years and years of reading. Slowly losing her vision, she was legally blind for the last few years of her life. But that did not stop her from reading. We thank Tulsa Public Library's Outreach for the Blind for keeping her constantly stocked with audiobooks to pass the time. She frequently joked that she would 'lose her mind' without those books.

Though she lived alone for nearly 27 years, Lee was far from lonely. She was surrounded by dear friends that supported her, and she repaid them all with her love, inspiration, and wisdom. Though she had no family nearby, God had a way of bringing people into Lee's life to both serve and learn. Near the end of her life she was homebound, but through her strong circle of friends she was able to remain in her home, still connected to the world and continuing to make a difference in the lives of many until the very end. Among her dearest friends, she is survived by - Kriss Haymes her caretaker and 'adopted' son, Lucy Tilley her neighbor of 40 years, Dana Payden her housekeeper for 15 years, Brenda Rue her close friend from church, and near the end, Crystal Allison her Meals on Wheels driver who became her 'adopted' daughter. She was blessed by many other dear friends, as well as the loving staff of Good Shepard Hospice. Together with her circle of friends, and with God, Lee remained of sound mind, living a joyful life in her home until her passing.

In honor of her husband's and daughter's illnesses, Lee chose to donate her body to science. At only 73 pounds she had to get special approval from the research institute to accept her. To no one's surprise, her last Earthly wish was indeed granted. A memorial was held in Lee's honor, where her dearest friends gathered to share stories of how this amazing little lady touched their lives. Her soul rests in peace and her ashes will rest alongside her husband when they are returned. Above all else, Lee loved the Lord and knew to whom she belonged. We rejoice in knowing that she is dancing in the streets of heaven with her beloved husband, daughter, and pets. She was a blessing to many, an inspiration to all, and will hold a special place in our hearts forever.