Kathy Quina Foster

Kathy Quina Foster, 71, passed away at The Retreat at Saad's surrounded by family and dedicated caregivers on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 after a battle with endometrial cancer.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Mayhew Hosford, mother, Dorothy Hosford Farren ("MaDot"), and her husband of 23 years, J. Don Foster. She is survived by her two sons, Marion A. Quina, III (Margie) of Nashville, TN and Elliott Richardson Quina (Kellie) of Mobile, AL; her four grandchildren Lauren, Byers, Elliott and Sage Quina; her sister, Freida Austin of Warner Robins, GA; her nephew Prentice C. Burch of Hawkinsville, GA; niece Chanda Lenn Burch of San Antonio, TX; her two step-children, Dr. Meredith Foster Herlong of Fairhope, AL and John Harlan Foster (Marti) of Point Clear, AL; her six step-grandchildren, Foster Horton, Emory Horton, Pierce Horton, Johnny Foster, Mary Kate Foster, and Harrison Foster.

Kathy was born on September 10th, 1954 in Eastman, Georgia. She graduated from Warner Robins High School of Warner Robins, Georgia in 1972, and eventually found her way from Austin, Texas to Mobile, Alabama in the mid-70s. She managed successful careers in retail and real estate (both particularly well suited to someone that never met a stranger), working as a buyer and sales manager for Raphael's and later in life as a realtor for Roberts Brothers, Inc. These always were secondary to her role as Mom and "Khaki," a nickname bestowed upon her by the grandchildren. She found her greatest joy in watching them grow and celebrating their achievements.

Kathy's close friend group affectionately (and perhaps reverently) referred to her as "the Queen." They loved Kathy for her candor and ability to make them cry laughing over a glass of wine, but even more so for her fierce loyalty and the unwavering support she provided during life's trials. Their shared adventures were a blessing, and her sons are beyond grateful for the love of their "Southern Aunts."

Kathy's family extends their deepest gratitude and appreciation to her medical teams at the Mitchell Cancer Center and Emory Cancer Center, caregivers from Sitter Service HomeCare, LLC and Saad Healthcare, and the hospice team from The Retreat at Saad's. Kathy's neighbors and close friends, Sabrina and Bo Hughes, her daughter-in-law, Kellie Quina, and her late husband's nephew and wife, Drs. Will and Ali Bolton, deserve special mention for the constant love, care, and attention they provided her over the past 8 months. Their dedicated efforts were instrumental in maintaining her positive outlook and quality of life, which eased the burden of her fight.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations made in Kathy's memory be made to the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute (USA Health Development, 650 Clinic Drive, TRP III, Suite 1500, Mobile, AL 36688), Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University (Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, c/o Office of Gift Accounting, 1762 Clifton Road NE, Suite 2400, Atlanta, GA, 30322), the Hospice Care Fund of Mobile, AL (15115B S. University Blvd., Mobile, AL 36609), or Christ United Methodist Church of Mobile, AL (6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609). A memorial reception will be held at a future date.