Mary Ursula (Fox) Foggo Hinson
August 1, 1920 - December 26, 2001 and Oliver Milton Martindale Foggo October 28, 1918 - December 13, 2001

Beloved mother of Jean Foggo Simon and Millicent Ball; surviving step-sisters are Isabel Tucker and Marvel Fox; brother-in-law Peter Fox; special step-nephew St. Clair "Brinky" Tucker, nephews Perry and "Chubby" Fox, as well as nieces Carolyn Walker, Dawn Lewis, Sharon Wales, KareAnn Burgess and Glenda Carlington, son-in-law, Phillip Ball Jr., grandchildren Anthony (Cheryl) Ball, Eugene (Chrystal) Ball and Monte Champe, and eight great-grandchildren (Chloe, NiNi, Kelsey, Mia, Eugene Jr., Anthony, Marcus, Nalani), and many other relatives and dear friends.

We never thought Mama would leave us that day. Somehow we believed she'd always be there for us. In good times when the air was filled with laughter and in not so good times when we needed to hear her comforting words or have her wipe away a tear from our cheeks. She was an unselfish woman of quite dignity, strength and inspiration to her family. Ursula was always there for family, friends and anyone who crossed her path and she is sadly missed by all.  We know that in time our hearts will be comforted and our tears will cease. Our greatest comfort is in knowing that she is now with our Heavenly Father.

Christmas Day will never be the same for us. On December 25th, 2001 Ursula awoke surrounded by family members who had gathered in my sisters home for Christmas dinner. While it is the day that Christians have chosen to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ it is for all a time to celebrate family and to give thanks for their presence. In such a setting one truly realizes that it is far better to give than to receive as we watch our loved ones smile in anticipation of the gifts they were about to receive.  Gathered in the living room around the Christmas tree sounds of "Oohs" and "Aahs" mingled with the rustling of paper as each member of the family opened their gifts. Mama sat there watching contently appreciating the scene unfolding before her eyes. Finally all that remained were those with a tag marked  "For Mama with Love." Each of us sat anxiously waiting to see a twinkle in Mama's eyes and a warm flush to her cheeks that our gifts  to her would bring.  In her normal good spirit, she did not disappoint any of us and only asked that one pair of slippers be exchanged for a larger size.

Mama was determined that she would actively participate in the established family preparations for the traditional Christmas dinner despite her frail health. She was adamant that December 25, 2001 would be no different. When all had been completed she dressed for dinner and sat at the table with a heart filled with thanksgiving. All went well.

As the sun started to set in the early evening we all sat quietly talking and enjoying each other's company. One of my presents was a notebook and a lovely pen. I passed it around the room and invited family members to write their thoughts and feelings in it and to just say how blessed we were. Mama wrote her thoughts towards the end of the day and her last words on paper are as follows:

December 25, 2001 

“I am overjoyed to have you (Jeanie) home with me and your sister Milly and her family and the rest of cousins. I was also happy to have my grandson Monte. It’s been ten years since he was last here to visit us. I really enjoyed his company. He’s so much fun to be around. There’s no telling if any of us will be here next year, so we all have to love each other, and be kind to everyone and help one another. I pray that God will always be with you all, may he keep you in his care, guide and protect you. I hope the year of 2002 will be a much better and a nicer year for every one, peace and joy to everyone. A Healthy and Happy New Year. I love my children and grand children, and my great grand children – Anthony, Genie, Monte, Jeanie, Millicent”.  

Mary Ursula (Fox/Foggo) Hinson
Age 81