Opal Faye Foster

Opal Faye (Thomas) Foster February 15, 1945 – May 22, 2025 Born in Fenton, Missouri | Passed in St. Louis, Missouri | Age 80 Opal Faye Foster, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed peacefully on May 22, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by those who loved her most. She is survived by her devoted daughter Michelle, son-in-law Darryl Sr., and the four grandsons who were the light of her life: Darryl Jr., Nicholas, Elijah, and Keenan, and her stepson, William Leroy Foster, Jr. She also leaves behind her brothers, Michael and Wayne Thomas and their families, dear neighbors Jay and Venus, who faithfully looked out for her with love and care in her later years. as well as many cherished extended family members and friends. Opal was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband William (Bill) Leroy Foster, Sr., and her parents, Herman and Gladys Thomas. Opal married William in 1970, and together they built a simple, beautiful life filled with enduring love. Though William passed in 1990, his memory remained alive in Opal’s heart every single day. Their bond was once in a lifetime, and her love for him never dimmed and remained in her heart until her final breath. After his passing, she spent the next years grieving, working at a senior living facility where she poured love and warmth into the lives of her residents, and caring for her own aging parents as they made their own transitions from this world. In 1996, she moved to St. Ann to help raise her grandchildren. Becoming a central part of their daily lives brought her immeasurable joy and purpose. You couldn’t have a conversation with her without hearing about something her grandbabies were doing. She spoke of them with unshakable pride and immeasurable love. Her presence shaped their childhoods with fun, laughter, and knowing they were deeply loved. She was a woman of faith who found peace in watching television sermons, listening to gospel and classic country music, and immersing herself in her favorite old movies. She was a talented artist with a special love for drawing, and she surrounded herself with photographs of loved ones, often retelling their stories with vibrant memory and warmth. Christmas was her favorite time of year, when she delighted in giving thoughtful little gifts from her heart. She was known for her generous heart — always willing to give her last dollar even if she needed it herself. Her caregivers often said how kind she was, how deeply they loved her, and how much of a “hoot” she could be when her sass and sparkle came out. If she loved you, you knew it. She told you every encounter. With deep sincerity, she’d say, “I love you with all my heart.” In her final years, she was lovingly cared for by her daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons. Her bond with her daughter was one of love, devotion, loyalty, and unspoken understanding — a sacred mother-daughter love that held strong until her last breath as her daughter held her hand. Opal’s passing leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her memory will be forever treasured. Save a place for us in heaven, sweet Mama. Tell Dad, Granny, and Pa that we love him. We’ll be together again soon. Until then, we will hold every moment and memory close to our hearts. Your presence in our lives has been a blessing. Thank you for loving us. “We love you with all our hearts.” And we always will…forever and ever.

Opal Faye Foster

February 15, 1945 - May 22, 2025