Mary Foster Milam (Tulia)

Tulia, Texas—Mary Foster Milam, 91, died Saturday, March 20, 2021 after a brief illness. Celebration of her life will be at 2:00 pm Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church of Tulia with Karen Carlton, and Russ Panzer officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the funeral home.

Mary Foster Milam was born in Randall County, Texas on January 13, 1930 to Jack and Doris Foster. Mary attended schools at Wayside, Happy and West Texas State College in Canyon. She met J.K. Milam, Jr. when attending college and they were married June 12, 1949 in her parents’ home at Wayside. They had three children: two sons: JK III and Mike and a daughter: Marcia.

Mary was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Tulia where she had served on various committees. She was also a member of the Palo Duro Chapter of NSDAR and served as an officer, then transferred to the Nancy Anderson NSDAR chapter in Lubbock. She was a member of the Swisher County Historical Commission and served as an officer for the organization. While a member of the Swisher County Historical Commission, the Swisher County Depot was re-opened for community use, a fact Mary was extremely proud of. Mary was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary and she served on the Board for TEXAS, the musical drama.

Mary began her work experience at an early age: she helped in her parents’ country grocery store and gas and oil business. When the family moved to their rural home, she learned to drive a tractor and help with the farming/ranching operation. She was a good overseer to her youngest brother, Dick, and he thought of her as a second mother. After her marriage to J.K., she continued with all aspects of farming and ranching, and was still actively engaged in operating her farm in Randall County at the time of her death. After her children were all in school, she served many years as a substitute teacher in the Tulia Public Schools. Other work experiences included several years in a tax accounting office, legal secretary in two law firms, and as a CETA Coordinator for the State of Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and three brothers. Survivors include her children – a daughter, Marcia Milam Kiser and husband Eckart W. of Lubbock, TX, two sons, J.K. Milam III and wife Bonnie of Roswell, NM, Michael Foster Milam and wife Lorie of Waco, TX. Six Grandsons: Scott Milam and wife Danielle of Boerne, TX; Jason Milam and wife Amanda of Waco, TX, J.K. Milam IV of Lubbock, TX, Clayton Milam and wife Selina of Buda, TX, Clint and Mariann Newman of Roswell, NM and Ben Newman of Roswell, NM. Great-grandchildren: Hayle Newman of Roswell, NM, Brett and Cheyenne Milam of Buda, TX, Watson Milam of Boerne, TX, Amelia Milam of Lake Ozark, MO, Evelyn and Joyce Milam of Waco, TX.

Memorials may be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, PO Box 1890, Amarillo, TX, 79105-9985.

 Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.