Emma G. (Bowen) Foster

 Emma G. Foster, 88, of the Barry Community Care Center, Barry, IL, and formerly from New Canton, IL passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023. Born in Bowling Green, MO, on October 27, 1934, Emma was the daughter of Norman and Evelyn (Curry) Bowen. She married Lee Foster on November 17, 1956 in Hannibal, MO.

Emma graduated from Bowling Green High School and went to work for Stark Brothers Nursery as an office clerk. Being an avid Elvis Presley fan, she enjoyed collecting his memorabilia. Emma enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching game shows, visiting with family and friends and eating out at restaurants. She loved her flowers and tending to them. She was a lifetime member at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Bowling Green, MO, and she later attended the New Canton Methodist Church.  Emma had a calming soul and she loved her family dearly. 

Survivors include five children, Kenny Foster of Rockport, IL, Deborah & husband Jerry Epley of Hull, IL, Becky & husband Kevin Keithly of Hull, IL, Sharon & husband Jim Beardsley of Hull, IL, and Evelyn Coates of Jacksonville, IL; grandchildren, Michelle Smith, Jeremy Epley, Justin Epley, Alaina & husband Chris Campbell, Conner Beardsley, Emily & husband Ryan Brannan and Thomas Coates; great-grandchildren, Jayde Smith and Mollie Campbell; two brothers Leroy Bowen, of Frankford, MO and Jim & wife Sandy Bowen of Bowling Green, MO; two sisters, June & husband Virgil Watts of Bowling Green, Mo, and Mary Ellen & husband Jim Watkins, of Cape Girardeau, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on February 22, 2008; a sister, Francis Johnson; two brothers, Raymond Bowen and Marion Bowen; and a daughter-in-law, Doris Foster; and a son-in-law, Bill Coates.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday May 30, 2023 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at the Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday May 31, 2023 at 10:30AM at the funeral home with interment to follow at Shearer Cemetery, near New Canton, IL. Memorials are suggested to the Parkinson’s Association or Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry is handling the arrangements.