Margaret Ruth Foster

Margaret Ruth Walker, affectionately called “Grandma Ruth,” daughter of the late Sara Jane Chisolm and Willie Walker, was born September 9, 1934 in Fairfield County South. She was the third oldest of twelve children. Several of her siblings preceded her in death. Early in the evening on Saturday, November 5, 2011. Margaret began her formal education in Fairfield County, South Carolina completing her education in Baltimore, Maryland at Dunbar High School. Margaret accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Red Hill Baptist Church in South Carolinaunder the leadership of the late Reverend Charles Lane. After relocating to Baltimore, MarylandMargaret became a faithful member of New Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend W. H. Black While at New Pilgrim Baptist Church Margaret served on the Senior Choir and Missionary ministry. In 1982 Margaret was one of the charter member s of the Greater Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend JR Halsey As a dedicated memberMargaret served as President of the Sanctuary Choir. Member of of the Willing Workers (Pastors Aid),Missionary, Manna and Deaconess ministries Margaret remained a faithful and dedicated member under the leadership of Dr. Reginald Thomas, Sr until her health declined. She truly loved Dr. and Mrs First Lady Thomas. At the age of sixteen Margaret met and married the love of her life William Foster Sr. As they began their life together God blessed their union with seven children Two of her daughters Betty and Jewel preceded her in death. They shared over fifty years of marriage together. After 30 years of service Margaret retired in 1997 from the Baltimore City public School System as Food Technician. She loved her job and served the children at her school with pride. Never wanting to see a child hungry, Margaret would make sure every child ate even those that could pay. This trait followed her home when the neighborhood children would knock on the door looking for the “Church Lady” to get something to eat. Grandma Ruth would buy special snacks for her neighborhood kids. Margaret supervised and served the homeless at the Annual Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving Dinner. Anyone that met Margaret only called her that once, she was everyone's Grandma Ruth. Her mothering spirit made everyone love her . The joy of her life was family, the Annual Christmas Eve dinner was not to be missed and you never left hungry Grandma Ruth was a culinary genius. One of her signature dishes was sweet potato pies. She loved making sure everyone was happy and became with pride at the accomplishments of her children . Grand and great grandchildren. She had a special love and relationship with for two daughters-in-law, Rachael and Stacey. A true testament of Margaret's relationship with God was evident last week as she began transitioning.Surrounded by her family Margaret began singing, Jesus Jesus Jesus and No ways Tired. The spirit of God filled the room and in hearts we knew she was ready. She leaves to cherish his memory and loving legency; one daughter Diane, four sons William Jr., john (Rachael), Alphonso Sr., and jerome (Stacey), five sisters Bertha, Rebecca, Doretha, Jessieand Estelle, two brothers-in-law Hayward and Norman Foster, thirteen grandchildren one Jerlyn who she raised as her own, fourteen great grandchildren. Three god-children, Thomasine, Derekand Robert, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Margaret Ruth Foster

November 5, 2011