John E. Foster

John Edward Foster, son of the late William Foster, Sr. and Margaret Ruth Foster, was born October 31, 1952, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the second oldest of seven children. On Friday, May 5, 2023, God called John to Heaven’s Garden late in the evening to begin a new season where weeping will be no more, where pain has turned to wholeness and joy is everlasting. He peacefully entered into the loving arms of the Lord. Several of his siblings preceded him in death. (Betty, Jewel, Diane, and Alphonso) now he has reunited with loved ones and eternal into rest. He was a man with a big heart and humble spirit who went out of his way to help anyone in need. John received his formal education in the Baltimore City Public School System and received his school Diploma of completion from Douglas High School. The he excelled in many studies and sports ex: football and baseball. At an early age, John accepted Jesus Christ, as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at the new Pilgrim Baptist church under the leadership of the late Reverend W. H. Black. He later rededicated his life to Christ at Greater Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Reverend Reginald Thomas, Sr. John joined the United States Marine Corps in 1970 immediately following his high school graduation. He served in the Vietnam War in 1973 as a marksman prior to his honorable discharge from active duty in Okinawa, Japan. He had a strong bond with his military brothers and fully believed and embodied “I am my brother’s keeper”. He was a decorated Marine with several awards and metals such as the Vietnam Champaign Metals with Device and the Vietnam Service Medal, following this time, he served in the Marine Corps Reserve Forces until 1976 with an honorable discharge. Simultaneously while actively serving in the Marine Corps Reserves, he began working at Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Sparrows Point in 1973. Prior to leaving his family and his home, he would always read from his bible, his favorite scripture from the Old Testament. Excerpt from Psalm 23: 1- 6,” Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” While serving Bethlehem Steel there were several layoffs. And as a result, he went back to school and trained as a diesel mechanic to continue to further his skills and career. John was called back to the steel mill to finish his career. He started his career in the pipe mill and ended his career in the coating line where he officially retired in 2012 after 39 years of service. Upon his discharge from military, he met the love of his life Rachel affectionately called Ray-Ray, John originally met Rachel after his mother introduced them on a bus trip. Years later, John married his (“Ray - Ray”) Rachel Alverta Foster on July 1, 1989, to begin their journey as husband and wife. This union blessed with five children that he was so proud of all their accomplishments and the way they are living their lives. They shared over thirty-three years of marriage together, however; they have been best friends for almost fifty years. John’s favorite past times included football, baseball, fishing, history, music, traveling, and spending time with family. He was an avid Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles fans. You were sure to find him watching or listening to football games, baseball games, westerns, and historical and documentaries. John leaves to cherish his legacy, and fond loving memories his devoted wife Rachel of 38 years, four sons Jermaine (Melinda), Juwan (Stephanie), Jonathan (Leona), Emanuel (Joi), and one daughter Tyra (Vincent); two brothers, William Foster, Jr. and Jerome Foster; eleven grandchildren, seven sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, five aunts, one uncle and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends…….We give honor and praise for the life of JOHN E. FOSTER

Tributes

John E. Foster

October 31, 1952 - May 5, 2023