Elizabeth Ann Belt Foster,a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully, with her family surrounding her, on February 22, 2025, in her home in Plainview, Texas, at the age of 89. Her departure leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
She was born January 12, 1936, on a cold snowy night, in the home of her parents, JR and Ona Maye Golden Belt, just north of Lockney. She attended Lockney ISD, where she met the love of her life, Eddie Joe Foster, when he moved to Lockney as a freshman in high school from Artesia, New Mexico. They had a fond affection that grew into a lifelong legacy. After graduating Lockney High School in 1954, Ann pursued her education at Texas Tech University, where she majored in family relations and home economics, took many elective classes exploring the different types of art, namely, painting and sculptures, and was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority.
While Eddie headed east, to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, they spoke daily. After learning of Ann’s numerous “Coke dates” she was having on campus, Eddie quickly transferred to TTU after his first semester at SMU to claim his sweetheart. They married between their sophomore and junior years on June 22, 1956 at the First United Methodist Church in Lockney. Mr. Arch of Arch Flowers in Plainview stated that the wedding had the most beautiful flowers he had ever delivered to a wedding.
Upon graduating college, they were off to the Air Force, first at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas where they welcomed David and then to Chenault Air Force Base in Lake Charles, La., where Jody was born. Finally, after they came home to Lockney, where Eddie became a successful farmer, Melanie and Karyn were both born in Plainview.
Their union was blessed with four children: David Alan Foster, Edward Josiah Foster, III “Jody”, Melanie Ann Foster and Karyn Maye Foster Murray. As a mother, Ann was nurturing, supportive, and always present for her family. Her children remember her as a guiding light, always offering wisdom and encouragement.
Ann had a zest for life and a wide array of interests. However, not once did she ever want attention directed solely at her. She was a very selfless lady and focused on her family. Foremost was the love and support of her husband, Eddie Joe, who also had a passion for helping others and never missed the opportunity to make a new friend. She and Eddie were heavily involved as 4-H adult leaders. 4-H with four children kept her busy. Ann’s legacy is one of love, kindness and strength. She touched the lives of countless individuals with her warmth, compassion and unwavering support. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A visitation for family and friends to celebrate Ann’s life was held on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at Kornerstone Funeral Directors in Plainview, from 6 to 8 p.m.
A graveside service was held at the Lockney Cemetery at 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025, where she was laid to rest next to her dear husband, Eddie.
Elizabeth Ann Belt Foster will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her. Her life was a testament to the power of love, resilience and generosity as well as her strong Christian faith, as she was a member of the Main Street Church of Christ. May she rest in eternal peace.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Josiah “Eddie Joe” Foster, Jr.; her parents, J.R. and Maye Belt; and an infant grandson, Luke Foster.
She is survived by her children, David Foster (DarLee), Jody Foster (Shawnda), Melanie Foster and Karyn Foster Murray; grandchildren Addie Foster Powers, William Foster (Samantha), Senée Cole (Asa), Segayle Blakely (Justin) and SyAnn Young (Chase); along with 12 great-grandchildren; her sister, Carolyn Belt Duvall; her brother, Steven Douglas Belt; her niece Lauri Hebner and nephew Dodd Duvall and their children.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Floyd County 4-H, 122 E. California Street, Floydada, TX 79235 and Floyd County Friends, Inc., P. O. Box 384, Lockney, TX 79241.