Mattie Effie Brewton Foster, affectionately known throughout her life as Effie, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, at the remarkable age of 106.

Born on June 10, 1920, in Arlington, Effie was the daughter of Elliott Connor Brewton and Tillie Isbell Brewton. She was one of ten children and the last surviving member of her siblings. Except for approximately a year and a half, Arlington was home for Effie throughout her entire life, and her story was deeply woven into the community she loved.

Effie grew up in a hardworking family. Her father was a cotton farmer, and from an early age she learned the meaning of responsibility, perseverance, and doing whatever needed to be done. She worked in the fields alongside her family, experiences that helped shape the strong work ethic, thriftiness, and fierce independence that remained with her throughout her life. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1940.

Effie's love story began long before adulthood. She met Shirley Foster when they were in the fifth grade, and the two became sweethearts. Their childhood friendship grew into a lifelong devotion. During World War II, while Shirley was stationed in Alexandria, Louisiana, they were married. When Shirley was called to serve overseas, Effie returned home, carrying with her the hope of the life they would build together when the war was over. Following the war, they were reunited and returned home to build their life together and raise their two daughters, Edith and Helen. From fifth-grade sweethearts to a lifetime together, theirs was a love story that endured through the years.

Faith was at the center of Effie's life. At the age of 10, while attending a tent revival, she became a born-again Christian. Her faith was not simply something she professed; it was something she lived. She taught Sunday School and participated in Bible Memory Association for many years. She was known for getting up early in the morning to spend quiet time reading her Bible, grounding each day in the faith that guided her life.

One passage that reflected the way Effie lived was Philippians 4:6-7, with its reminder to bring everything to God in prayer and to trust in the peace of God that passes all understanding. Effie was a conciliatory person by nature. She wanted people to be happy, disliked hard feelings, and sought peace whenever there was disagreement. She made friends easily and had a gift for helping people feel comfortable and cared for.

Effie possessed what could best be described as a servant's heart. She was always willing to volunteer and help whenever she saw a need. Through the years, she cared for her siblings and gave generously of her time and abilities to family, friends, church, and community. She never needed recognition for what she did; helping others was simply part of who she was.

Throughout her working years, Effie was employed by Arlington Independent School District, the Army Air Force Exchange Service, and Hancock's Fabrics. But some of her greatest talents could be seen in the things she created with her own hands.

Effie was a gifted seamstress who made dresses for her daughters and countless other treasures for those she loved. During wartime, she knitted helmet liners for soldiers. Over the years, her hands were rarely idle as she crocheted, embroidered, quilted, and created afghans for family and friends. She even made and decorated wedding cakes. Each creation was another expression of the care she so naturally gave to others.

She also loved working outdoors. Effie tended a large vegetable garden and took great satisfaction in harvesting what she had grown. Her daughters remember their mother canning vegetables and freezing food to prepare the family for winter, as well as hanging freshly washed sheets outside on the clothesline to dry. Her garden produced an abundance, but Effie's love for growing things extended beyond vegetables. She especially loved her flowers and the beauty they brought to her home.

Effie believed there was always something new to learn. At the age of 60, she decided to learn how to play the piano, a wonderful reflection of the curiosity, determination, and independence she carried throughout her long life.

She was hardworking and thrifty, yet remarkably generous with herself. She was independent but deeply devoted to others. She believed relationships mattered more than disagreements and that there was little worth holding hard feelings over. Across more than a century of life, Effie witnessed extraordinary changes in the world around her, yet the things that mattered most to her remained wonderfully constant: faith in God, love of family, hard work, serving others, and finding joy in the simple blessings of everyday life.

Effie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Shirley C. Foster; her parents, Elliott Connor and Tillie Isbell Brewton; her brothers, Alvin, Earl, Bernice Brewton and a stillborn brother (unnamed); and her sisters, Edna Brewton, Opal Tankersley, Addie Foster, Orpha Crittenden, and Joyce Jones.

She is survived by her daughters, Edith Hoad and husband Ray, and Helen Fratena and Danny Bazaldua; granddaughters, Emily Hoad and husband Paul Smith, and Cheryl Hamilton and husband Andy; great-grandchildren, Vance and Lana Hamilton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Effie's family invites those attending her service to wear purple, her favorite color, or florals in honor of her love of flowers.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wade Funeral Home in Arlington. Her funeral service will be held Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Wade Funeral Home, followed by interment at Johnson Station Cemetery in Arlington, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations to the charity of your choice.

After 106 years, Effie leaves behind far more than memories. Her legacy lives in the family she loved, the people she served, the things lovingly made by her hands, and the example of a life rooted in faith, peace, hard work, and kindness.