Lillie Marie Foster

Lillie Marie Foster was born on August 12, 1956 in Biscoe, Arkansas to Decatur Williams and Daisy Foster Williams. 

Lillie immediately brought joy and laughter into the world.  She was loved and adored by all of her peers.  She received the title of the First Black Homecoming Queen in 1975 at DeValls Bluff High School, graduating that same year.

Lillie was a fiercely, dedicated mom to all three (3) of her children:  Sandra Sheppard, Terry Foster and Joi Gillespie, raising all three (3) of them to go on to accomplish great things.  Family came first and was above all else to Lillie, a value she instilled in all of those around her.  The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill.

Lillie spent many years working at Homer’s Restaurant as Head Cook.  She took pride in her work, and the food that she served to thousands of people each year.  Her amazing dishes of renown earned her notoriety and spotlight in the local newspaper.  In her spare time, she would work at her local church, Greater Second Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, to cook, serve food, and socialize.  She was also a part of the choir.

Surrounded by her loving family, Lillie peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 05, 2023 in the comfort of her home at the age of 66.

Lillie was preceded in death by her parents:  Decatur Williams and Daisy Williams; seven (7) brothers:  Decatur Williams; James Williams; Willie Horace Williams; Sherman Williams; David Yancy; Keith Houston; and Melvin Houston; and one (1) sister:  Belinda Williams.

Lillie is survived by her three (3) children:  Sandra Sheppard; Terry (Samantha) Foster; and Joi Gillespie;; ten (10) sisters:  Ola Allen; Gloria Bazzelle; Daisy Williams; Mattie Dorsey; Sheila Goldston; Donna Abby; Melva Jackson; Debra Houston; Audrey Jones; and Sharette Thomas; two (2) brothers:  Maurice Williams and Gary Gray; one (1) sister-in-law:  Shirley Williams; three (3) grandchildren:  Tiya Sheppard-Michel; Kyla Sheppard; and Bailey Foster; five (5) great-grandchildren:  Zion Michel; Melanin Michel; Seven Michel; Trenton Hightower; and Kyson Hightower; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and a multitude of friends.

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