William I. Foreman Sr.

WILLIAM I. FOREMAN, SR. (Bubby) was born into the family of the late Perl and Mary Foreman on March 8, 1925. He was a devout Christian and strong believer in God’s grace. He departed this world and began his new journey with Christ on June 1, 2017. He was a lifelong resident of Catonsville, Maryland and member of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church (formerly Mount Olivet Methodist Episcopal Church) where he served as Lay Leader and President of the United Methodist Men and Christian Historian. He received his education at public school #21 (Banneker School) and entered the United States Marine Corps on May 10, 1943 where he received his basic training at Montford Point Camp in Jacksonville, NC. Following basic training, he was shipped out to Camp Catlin Hilo, Hawaii in 1944 and served 26 months sending needed supplies and staples to the troops in the forward area. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Marines in 1946. On June 28, 2012, he along with several hundred “Montford Point Marines” received the Congressional Gold Medal for their bravery, service and loyalty toward the cause of desegregating the U.S. Marine Corps. He married the late Edwina Smith on March 13, 1948 and the union lasted 58 years until her passing in 2006. Together, they parented three adult children William Jr., DeVera and Bryan. His guidance and love enriched the lives of his daughter-in law JuDonna Foreman, four grandchildren, Juan, April, Chris and Zuri, (extended family grandchild Sarah Gray) and three great-grandchildren Tyejhae, Brehae and Breyon. “Bubby” began a career in the United States Postal Service in 1948 and retired after 37 years of service in 1985. From 1987 to 1996 he worked as a Funeral Assistant with March Funeral Homes. His passion in life was serving God’s kingdom, providing leadership to his family, leadership to his community, maintaining his lawn (especially trimming those bushes to perfection) and keeping his Cadillac clean. Family members were always encouraged to “do a little more” and to “keep making us proud.” He always had a positive attitude about everything and if you told him you had a bad day, he was quick to ask, “what are you going to do to make tomorrow a better day?” Or, if there was something you didn’t think could be overcome, he would always respond, “Well, we’ll figure something out, don’t worry about it.” Brother Foreman, as he was known in his fraternal life, placed a premium on community involvement and included the following: Charter member and Past Post Commander of American Legion Post #263; Life Member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons (class of 1952); Member of the Supreme Council of Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, receiving the Thirty-Third Degree which is the last and highest degree of the Ancient Craft of Masonry; Member of the Hiram Consistory No. 2 Rite of Free Masonry; Member of Jerusalem Temple No. 4 Prince Hall Shriners; Past Worthy Patron of Martha Chapter No. 25 Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.); Past Grand Worthy Patron of Myra Grand Chapter of O.E.S. (1981-1983) Prince Hall Affiliation, Jurisdiction of Maryland; Member of the Hall of Fame of the Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. William’s exceptional life will always be celebrated by those of us who were fortunate enough to have been in his presence, heard him speak and revere his humility. He will live through all of us: his brother George Foreman,Sr; sisters-in-law Lucille Foreman, Rose Woody and Vera Smith; brothers-in-law Donald Bailey and Richard Thomas, Sr., all of the nieces, nephews, and countless friends including longtime friend Shirley Myers and his companion in his later years Mae Streat, who are left to spread his warmth and grace.

Tributes

William I. Foreman Sr.

March 8, 1925 - June 1, 2017