Inez Bulla Foster

From an early age, she carried herself with quiet strength and a selfless sense of duty, leaving school after her father’s passing so she could help provide for her family. In the late 1960s, she earned her GED, an achievement that mattered deeply to her and reflected her determination and devotion to doing what was right, even when it was difficult.

Inez married the love of her life, William Wallace Foster, and together they built a home marked by loyalty, compassion, and steady care. Inez poured herself into motherhood with a generous spirit. She worked at Westinghouse until shortly after Suzann was born, then became a full-time mother and homemaker, wholeheartedly supporting her girls through every season of growing up. She was a devoted presence in the lives of her daughters and granddaughters, always showing up to support their school activities, softball games, horse shows, camping trips, church activities, boating adventures, and all the special moments and milestones that made their lives meaningful. With the same devoted care, she kept her daughters active and enriched their lives with local art and music classes at McArthur Park, ensuring their lives were well-rounded and full.

In her spare time, Inez found joy in gardening, canning, and sewing. She was an exceptional seamstress who sewed clothing for herself and her children. Her work reflected both her skill and the thoughtful love she expressed through the everyday acts that make a family feel cared for.

A woman of deep faith, Inez rarely missed church. A member of East End Baptist Church since 1959, she was affectionately known as the “sweet tea lady,” a cherished role through which she shared her generosity and warmth at countless activities and events. In the 1980s, Inez and Wallace owned Landmark Washateria, which she enjoyed operating for many years. She brought the same steady, considerate presence to her work that she brought to her home and church.

Inez was also a 36-year breast cancer survivor, a testament to her strength, resilience, and determination. She had an adventurous spirit and a love for travel. She traveled to 49 states, choosing not to fly to Hawaii. Her enthusiasm for travel was so strong that she joined senior trips with the church long before she was technically a senior. Through it all, Inez remained known for her selflessness, always helping anyone in need, especially family, including her nieces and nephews.

Inez was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters: Beatrice Rash Stewart of Lewisville, Arkansas; Ruby Rash Riggs of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas; Ann Bulla Dunn of Victoria, Texas; Geneva Bulla Seaman of Richardson, Texas; and Sue Bulla Grimes of Richardson, Texas; and Devin Hayes.

She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Wallace Foster of Hensley, Arkansas; her daughters, Suzann Foster Harrington of Redfield, Arkansas, and Connie (Woody) Foster Bowman of Hensley, Arkansas; Shirley Stewart Hayes of Nicholasville, Kentucky, who was raised in love as a daughter; Shirley’s sons, Brad, Devin and Doug Hayes, and their children, all of Kentucky; her granddaughters, Kristen Bowman of Hensley, Arkansas, and Katie (Nick) Bowman Shepherd of Fayetteville, Arkansas; her great-granddaughters, Blaire and Brynn Shepherd of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at East End Baptist Church, 4701 East End Road, Hensley, AR 72065.

The funeral service will be held Friday, October 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at East End Baptist Church, 4701 East End Road, Hensley, AR 72065.

The graveside service will be held Friday, October 23, 2026, from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. at Salem Cemetery in East End, 20209 Arch Street, Little Rock, AR 72206.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Inez’s memory to Salem Cemetery in East End, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the East End Fire Department, Gentiva of White Hall for providing compassionate palliative care during the last two weeks of Inez’s life, and the Baptist Hospital emergency room, ICU, and palliative care teams for their kindness, compassion, and care.