LAMESA - Billie Fern Foster, 87 of Flower Grove, passed away peacefully in Lamesa, May 7, 2026.
She was born on Sept. 13, 1938, in Lamesa, to Murray and Augustus Cook.
On Apr. 25, 1957, she married Bennie Lee Foster, the love of her life, in Flower Grove. They shared a devoted marriage of 61 years, until his passing in 2018. Together, they farmed and ranched in the Flower Grove community throughout their entire marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.
Billie will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and the love she gave so freely to those around her. She had a special passion for quilting, all kinds of handwork, and ceramics—talents she used to create lasting pieces that will be treasured by her family for generations.
Billie and Bennie truly loved the life they built together, making daily trips to the pasture to check on their cattle. Billie especially enjoyed trying to outguess him on what the cattle would weigh—one of the many simple joys they shared. She took pride in her role as a homemaker and loved working alongside Bennie in the fields.
Billie was always willing to lend a helping hand, faithfully volunteering wherever she was needed at church and school, often serving as a teacher and supporter in her community. She found great joy in watching her grandchildren play sports and spent countless cherished hours with her family gathered around pasture campfires, making s’mores and memories that will last a lifetime. She was affectionately known as “BB” to her grandchildren, a name spoken with love and admiration.
In her younger years, she enjoyed camping with her family and made many treasured trips to the Devils River and the Rio Grande, where they fished and walked the riverbeds—simple moments that became lifelong memories for those who shared them with her.
Billie was a longtime member of the Ackerly Church of Christ, where she faithfully attended and served until her health no longer permitted.
Billie is survived by her children, Montie Foster and wife Alison of Ackerly, and Chris Ann Foster of Lamesa; grandchildren, Chad Kennemer and wife Meagan of Lubbock, Aubrey Thixton and husband Clay of Ackerly, April Smith and husband Ty of Lamesa, and Audra Leonard and husband Ben of Greenwood; her great-grandchildren, Foster, Steel and Slate Kennemer; Tucker, Truett, and Trenton Thixton; Jace and Jackson DeLong; Charlee and Will Leonard; and her sister, Joy Barkowsky of Lamesa.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; an infant brother, Gedon Cook; and her brother-in-law, Eugene Barkowsky.
Burial was in Ackerly Cemetery following a private family graveside service officiated by Randy Mathis. Arrangements were under the care of Branon Funeral Home. To send condolences online, please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com Family suggests memorials to a charity of your choice. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.