Mary Ellen Foresee was born April 23, 1935 in Monette, AR. She was the youngest of nine children born to John and Emma Bell (Harvison) Barber.
Mary grew up in Jonesboro, Arkansas and later moved to San Jose, California where she met and married her husband of 48 years, Tommy Foresee. Together they raised four children: Rickey Pierce, Jan Pierce (deceased), Paree Foresee and LaRue Foresee. Due to Tommys work in construction, Tommy and Mary spent much of their early married life living in various cities and towns across the south making lasting friendships at every stop. In 1974 while visiting friends, they were introduced to the city of Heavener, Oklahoma and knew immediately this was where they wanted to settle down and raise their family.
Mary worked at the Vista Nursing home for 24 years beginning as a Nurses Aide and advancing to the role of Nursing Home Administer. Mary truly loved and cared for the people she served and that caring spirit did not end when she retired.
Actually, Mary never truly retired. When she wasnt helping others with their shopping or getting to doctors appointments she was cooking or canning relish, pickles, jelly, etc. all to be shared with anyone who came along. Marys pies became legendary. All you needed to do was mention what kind of pie you liked and Mary would make you one - sometimes whether you wanted it or not.

In addition to cooking Mary loved attending her great-grandchildrens ball games and activities. Mary and Tommy loved to dance, bowl and spend time with their friends and family.
After Tommys death in 2007, Mary once again turned to her love of caring for others first as a caregiver for her great-grandchildren and later as a Receptionist/Hostess at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home where she continued to work until her death. Mary died peacefully at the age of 86 in her home surrounded by her family on July 6, 2021.
Mary was preceded in her death by her parents; five brothers; two sisters; her daughter, Janet Lea; and her husband, Tommy Foresee.
Mary is survived by her sons: Rickey Pierce of Howe, Oklahoma; Paree Foresee and wife Amanda of Heavener, Oklahoma; and LaRue Foresee and wife Carla of Oologah, Oklahoma; one sister, Ruth Springle of Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was also the proud grandmother of Jason Foresee of Gardner, Kansas; Alexis Norin of Springfield, Missouri; Kalyn Lute and husband Aaron of Heavener, Oklahoma; Patrick Foresee and wife Samantha of Springdale, Arkansas; Chad Foresee and fianc Amber Calvin of Panama, Oklahoma; Kevin Foresee of Ponca City, Oklahoma; and Scott Foresee of Granite City, Illinois. As well as eight great-grandchildren: Gracie Lute, McLaren Lute, Mason Lute, Gavin Lute, David Wilson, Cora Foresee, Claire Foresee, Aspen Calvin and a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 10, 2021 at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Burial will follow in Heavener Memorial Park under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be: Jason Foresee, Patrick Foresee, Kevin Foresee, Scott Foresee, Chad Foresee, and Aaron Lute.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in honor of Mary to the local nursing home or Gideon Bibles.
Viewing will be from Noon until 8:00 p.m., Thursday; 9:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., Friday; and 9:00 a.m. until Noon, Saturday. The family will visit with friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
Visitation
Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel
Friday, July 9, 2021
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
710 U.S. HWY 270
Heavener, Oklahoma 74937
Funeral Service
Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel
Saturday, July 10, 2021
1:00 PM
710 U.S. HWY 270
Heavener, Oklahoma 74937