Florence L. Foster-Kindred

FLORENCE LOUISE FOSTER-KINDRED, daughter of the late Simon and Lula Foster was born on July 19, 1924 in Greensville, South Carolina. Louise, as she was lovingly called, was one of eleven children. She departed this earthly life after a lengthy battle with dementia on Sunday, July 19, 2020 on her 96th birthday. A product of Greensville Public Schools, she went on to attend Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Louise received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1950. Later the family migrated to Baltimore, Maryland. Louise resided in the family home on Bryant Avenue with her brother, Otis, sister-in-law, Mary and their four children: "Billy", Maxine, Paul and Sandra, sister Mamie, and their mother Lula. This close-knit family worked cooperatively to raise their nieces and nephews. Louise took great delight in family gatherings with her sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews-always taking time to listen, give advice, and discipline when necessary. For more than 50 years, Louise attended Ames Memorial United Methodist Church under the leadership of Rev. Kay S. Albury. She was actively involved in Bible Study and singing in the choir. Her sisters, Margaret Wright and Frances Greer (Maceo); niece, Marguerite Campbell-Brinkley; and nephew, James (Carl) Thompson shared her devotion to church life. Louise always worked diligently at any job to which she was assigned. While working as a switchboard operator at the Elgin Apartment Building, she met and married the love of her life, Willie Lee Kindred. At age 71, this marriage was the first for Louise and at age 77, was the third for Willie. Their union proves, "It is NEVER too late for LOVE!" They were married in 1995 at the nursing home where her beloved sister, Mamie resided, allowing her wheelchair-bound sister to participate in the ceremony. What a thoughtful and sisterly thing to do. That was our special Louise, as devoted to her sister and family as they were to her. A portion of Louise and Willie's wedding was televised on WJZ-TV (Channel 13). Not only did she obtain a devoted and loving husband but received the gift of a caring and loving daughter, Shirley Kindred. Shirley was genuinely loving and caring to her "new" mother. Louise and Willie Lee enjoyed fifteen years of companionship until his death in 2010. After her father's death, Shirley continued her close relationship with her Mother Louise. As Louise's health declined, Shirley continued to visit her as often as her own health permitted. Louise resided at Weinburg Senior Village for five years. She was quite active-participating in Bible Study, aerobics, computer classes, the Resident Choir, and going trips. She also extended invitations to family members and friends to special program there. Auntie possessed a keen sense of humor and could bring a smile and laughter to all she encountered. Due to deteriorating health, Louise was moved to Balmaine Manor Assisted Living (formerly Lifetime Serenity Assisted Living). She continued to participate in family gatherings and birthday celebrations. Her last family activity was on Thanksgiving Day 2019. She sat at the table, as always with her only surviving sibling, Margaret. Her family and friends knew that "Auntie Louise" was truly a remarkable lady who knew and loved God. She loved us all in her special way and will always be in our hearts. Louise was predeceased by her siblings; Mamie Foster, Frances Greer, James Foster, Elmore Foster, Otis Foster, Christine Lester, Dorothy Tate, Elbert Foster, and Geneva Porter. She leaves to mourn; her beloved daughter, Shirley Kindred; her loving sister, Margaret Wright; sister-in-law, Essie Kindred; three grandsons; one great grandson; niece, Linda Foster Bryant and other loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

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Florence L. Foster-Kindred

July 19, 1924 - July 19, 2020