Ann Foster

She began her life on February 10, 1937 to Luster and Lucille Gilbert in Alco, Arkansas. When she was 2 years old, she moved to Oregon with her parents and older brother Billy and was later joined by another brother James. In 1946 she and her family made the journey to Odessa where her parents were owners of the “Country Store”. While in Odessa, two more siblings were added to the family. A sister Patsy that passed quickly after birth and Brenda the youngest of the siblings. Ann attended school in Odessa and graduated from Odessa High School in 1955. Her childhood was spent with her brothers at the roller rink and attending wrestling matches with her Dad and brothers and many other adventures.

Upon graduation, Ann attended business school in Lubbock but after a few months she met her future husband and the love of her life, Thomas Porter Foster. Tom and Ann were married on January 7, 1956. She quickly began the journey of being the wife of a fire fighter. Throughout their marriage they added Wesley, Teresa and Trina to their family. Ann was a stay-at-home mother that taught her children how to work a garden, keep a clean house, mow the yard and many more “chores”. Most importantly Ann taught her children the love of Jesus and how to have a servants heart. Ann began a women’s ministry early in her married life through the church at Parkdale Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas. Ann always had a servant’s heart and willingly shared her love of God through helping young women with creating a loving Godly home through bible studies, cooking lessons and other mission activities.

As her children grew in age and began attending school, she began her work as the secretary of Special Education with Lubbock ISD. Ann retired from Lubbock ISD in May of 1987 to join her husband in College Station in his new adventure with the Texas A&M TEEKs Fire School. Throughout her years in Lubbock and College Station she supported Tom’s job as Lubbock Fire Chief through forming the Firefighters Wives Auxiliary. She later became the president of the Texas Firefighters Wives Auxiliary. She enjoyed creating fun activities for the wives of those firefighters that would attend the school at the fire field. Ann had many areas of outreach later in her life. One of those areas was working at the Brazos Christian Food Pantry every Friday. Another area was working in the nursery of Parkway Baptist Church in College Station. Many babies were held, rocked and learned about God’s love by Ms. Ann and her loving friend Ms. Linda throughout many years of their ministry.

Before Ann lost sight in 2016, her family members and those she loved would get notes, cards and letters of encouragement monthly if not weekly. Many have been touched by her servants heart with a meal, cookies but most importantly by her daily prayers and conversations with God. She kept a daily prayer journal and prayed for everyone that she came in contact with.

Ann is preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years Thomas Porter Foster, her parents Luster and Lucille Gilbert, brothers Billy Gilbert and James Gilbert, her sisters Patsy Gilbert and Brenda McMahon.

She is survived by her children Wesley Foster, Teresa & Kenny Toney, and Trina & Tim Walker. Her 7 grandchildren, Kyle & Celeste Toney, Kory & Rebecca Toney, Cody & Mily Walker, Dusty & Leah Walker and Jacob & Holly Walker and Tessa & Alan Dyer. She is also survived by her 16 Great-grandbabies, Kysen, Kaden, Klaire & Kambree Toney; Kolby, Kipton & Kaegan Toney; Haley & Luke Walker; Madeline, Catharine, Abigail, & Caroline Walker; Riley & Ari Walker; and Avianna Dyer. Along with many nieces and nephews and a lifetime of Friends.

Instead of flowers the family request that you support the Church Pantry at Parkway Baptist Church in College Station or Operation Christmas Child at Parkway Baptist Church or your local church. But most importantly share the love of Jesus Christ daily with those that you love and come in contact with.