Doris Fern Foster's Obituary
Doris Fern Foster (“Tinky”), 94, went to be with her Lord & Savior on January 17, 2025, after spending time under Angel's Hospice Care in Bay City, TX. She was born in Merryville, LA on August 23, 1930, to the late W.C. (“Lum”) Whiddon & Stella Spikes Whiddon.
As a young woman, she married William Mitchell Richmond JR (“Rich”), & together they raised three sons, Mitchell Wayne, Ronald Dean & James David (“Butch”). Nothing made her prouder than her three “boys”...they were the highlight of her life!
Years after “the boys” left home, she married William Foster (“Buddy”) of Vidor, TX, who preceded her in death. During their time together, they went on many a camping trip, which Tinky always looked forward to. She was indeed a “happy camper”! Buddy was also a craftsman & many of his projects needed decorating. Tinky loved painting faces or flowers, so whatever his item needed, it received the artistic stroke of her paintbrush! She enjoyed painting so much, that she continued to produce paintings that decorated her Carriage Inn apartment.
She was a life member of Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church in Beauregard Parish, LA. The faith & values that she was raised on, were very important to her. She cherished the memories of her childhood days spent “on the farm” with her parents, brothers Sam & Everett, & countless friends & relatives. Family & friends were very important to her, & she made it a point to stay in touch with them all after she moved from Louisiana.
She was a remarkable seamstress & made many of her own clothes, including numerous square-dancing outfits (which was another hobby that she thoroughly enjoyed). She had a passion for cooking & anyone that knows her has probably tasted one of her biscuits! Her sons remember them as a daily staple on the Richmond table when they were growing up, & something that she took great pride & pleasure in passing down to her grandchildren.
She absolutely loved creating doilies, tablecloths, bedspreads, pillows, curtains, & slippers out of a skein of yarn & a crochet hook! A skill she continued with on into her eighties, at which time she created two full-size American flags, that still grace the halls of her former residence-Carriage Inn.
Her older grandchildren will all have wonderful memories of visiting her in Louisiana, & swimming in her above-ground pool, that she had installed for their pleasure. They can all lovingly remember her jumping right in there with them, & the endless supply of snacks & drinks that she always furnished afterwards! She spent & enjoyed the last years of her life amongst her dear friends at Carriage Inn Retirement Home in Lake Jackson, TX; always up for a round of cards, Bingo or Wii bowling!
She is survived by her sons & their wives, Mitch & Lynette of West Columbia; Ronald & Teresa of Van Vleck; & James (Butch) & Patricia of Edna; along with 13 grandchildren, (one who preceded her in death), 17 great-grandchildren, & 4 great-great-grandchildren; all who lovingly referred to her as “Nana”.
On a final note, you couldn't know “Tinky”, without knowing that she was a survivor! She had an overcomer's spirit & refused to remain down, no matter what life threw at her! She was never one to indulge in self-pity or coddling...she was made of “tougher stuff” than that!! She enriched the lives of all who knew her & blessed the world with her presence. To know her; was to love her.
Visitation will begin Saturday January 25, 2025, from 1:30 PM until the time of the service which begins at 2:30 PM, at Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church in Merryville, LA with Rev. Walter McAlpin, officiating. Interment will follow at Cannon Cemetery in Merryville, LA. Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder.
Pallbearers include Terry & Austin Evans; Jason, Neal & Curtis Richmond & P.T. Owen.
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