Martha Foster

MARTHA LEE FOSTER was born to the late Archie and Katie James on January 30, 1939 in Florence, South Carolina. She received her heavenly reward on September 2, 2023. Martha (also called Sister by family members) was educated in the Baltimore City School System. She graduated from Dunbar High School in June, 1957. Martha gave her life to Christ at the age of 12 having been baptized at the Zion Baptist Church on Bond and Eager Streets by the Reverend Matthew Wilkerson. She also attended the Fountain Baptist Church for several years serving as a youth usher. She was reinstated to Zion in 1968 under the Reverend Moses Williams. She served as Baptist Training Union Directress, senior choir member, Sunday School teacher and worked with the Christian Education Ministry on various projects. In 1959 she married Willie James Foster Sr. Teir union lasted 64 years until his passing in 2020. They had one son Willie James Foster Jr. Her niece Keisha was the daughter she never had. They loved each other deeply. Keisha was a soldier for her Aunt Martha. She worked for the State of Maryland for 31 years. She began with the Department of Motor Vehicles as a typist and worked for the Department of Workers Compensation as an office clerk until she retired. Sister Foster was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law and friend. She loved her family dearly and would do anything in her power to assist their needs. Knowing her for over 35 years, she always had a kind word or scripture to share. “Praise in the Lord” always came out of her mouth. One of her favorite sayings was “Hold on to God’s unchanging hands.” Rest in peace now virtuous woman. You fought a good fight. You finished the race. I know the Lord said “Well done you good and faithful servant”. One of her favorite scriptures was “The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its eﬀect will be quietness and confidence forever.” - Isaiah 32:17 NIV She is preceded in death by her husband Willie James Foster Sr. and brothers Harry James, Donald James, Wilbur James & Sylvester (SJ) James. She leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved son, Willie J. Foster Jr. and grandson, Nolan Joseph Foster; two sisters, Elaine Williams and Joyce James; two brothers-in-law, James W. Strong, Sr. and Matthew Heath Sr.; two sisters-in-law, Martha Woodard, Sarah (Frances) James, Cousin Dorothy Elo; nieces, Keisha Bethea and Teresa Strother; nephews, Harry James Jr., Frankie Williams and Bobby James; great-nephews, Keon Reed, Khalil Bethea, Kollin Bethea; great-niece, Kennedi Bethea; daughter-in-law, Karen Clavon; and a host of friends and family members from her Beloved Church Zion.

Tributes

Martha Foster

January 30, 1939 - September 2, 2023