Willa Mae Foster

August 29, 1928 - December 9, 2020

Obituary for Willa Mae Foster Willa Mae Raby Foster - Age: 92 of Indian Head, MD Place of Birth: Cowee, Macon County, NC DOD: 12.9.2020 of Congestive Heart Failure Parents: Arvin Glenn Raby & Lottie Mae Saunders Raby Widow of Maurice Eugene Foster Survived by: Children: Maurice “Gene” E. Foster, II, St. Leonard, MD; Michael R. Foster (Sharon), Edgewater, MD; Kathryn “Kitty” Cummins, Abilene, TX; Gwendolyn “Gwen” Fitzgerald (Michael), Amherst, VA; Glenn P. Foster (Bobbie), Indian Head, MD 16 Grandchildren 27 Great grandchildren 8 Great-Great grandchildren Brothers and sisters: Glenn Raby, Jr, (Junie) Safety Harbor, FL; John Raby, Waldorf, MD; Mildred Weston, Bryans Rd., MD; Joyce Ann Harold (Bob), Powhatan, VA; and Sister-in-law Millie Raby, Indian Head, MD Predeceased by: Beloved son Charles Gregory “Greg” Foster Brothers and sister: Charles Raby, Tracy Raby, Billy Raby, Gene Raby, and Maureen Auer Daughters in law: Julia Foster, Sue Bowles Foster Sons in law: David Cullinan and Leo Cummins. Willa Mae was born in the hills of NC, and moved with her family to Maryland shortly thereafter. She was a survivor of the Great Depression, and was a teen during WWII. In 1945 she was 17, and a few months after the war was over, eloped with her Gene – a marriage that lasted 64 years, until his death in 2010. Willa Mae continued with her High School education however, was a pitcher for the fast pitch softball team, and graduated from LaPlata in 1947. Through the years they raised 6 children, lived and worked in Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and North Carolina, she joined bowling teams, and they attended innumerable baseball games. In 1992, after many years of awarded professional work with various federal government agencies in VA and DC she retired and they moved “home” to her beloved hills of Franklin, NC. Always a beautiful woman who loved to dress well, have her “face” on, and hair in place, Willa Mae fiercely loved family, politics and baseball. Her strong will and determination were amazing, as evidenced by her constant care for Gene for 10 years after his debilitating stroke. In these latter years debating politics was a favorite pastime (a diehard Democrat!), as well as watching ballgames and MSNBC on TV, so she could keep her mind sharp and “keep up with what was going on in the world”. She passed into the next world peacefully with family holding her hand. We love her, her chair is empty, and she will be greatly missed. Pall Bearers: Gene Foster, III Gabriel Fitzgerald Michael Foster, II Bobby Raby Wayne Wilkerson Bradley Revoir Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, service and interment will be for family only at the graveside. The services will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Michael Fitzgerald, Son-in-law. Memorial contributions in Willa’s name may be made to The Purple Heart or a charity of your choice. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Willa Mae Foster please visit our Sympathy Store. On-line condolences may be left at www.raymondfuneralservice.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Willa Mae Foster please visit our Sympathy Store.