Good Beginnings

Mary Ellen Foster entered this world on February 24, 1933, the third of eight children born to Levoy and Odessa Wright of Waverly, Alabama.  The family moved from Waverly to Chattanooga, Tennessee where Mary attended public school.  She was raised in a devoutly Christian household. Card games weren't allowed, so Mary and her siblings passed the time playing hopscotch and other games of their own invention. She was a reputed hopscotch champion, and she would say, a champion at jacks and roller skating as well.  On Saturdays, Mary and her brother Johnny would make money by cleaning neighbors' homes and doing yard work, then would splurge on a 25-cent movie and 5-cent soda, but would share popcorn so as not to expend their entire earnings.  Her favorite past times were visiting with family and friends, and reading Bible verses in Sunday school.   She received the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age, and was baptized and became a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  She later united with Prospect Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Meaningful Middle

Mary's long-held dream of joining the Air Force and seeing the world did not meet with her father's approval, so she moved to Washington, D.C. and started her career in the federal government.   In 1954, Mary Ellen married James C. Foster, her classmate from the 7 ^th grade, and her soul mate for life.  Their lives together began while "J.C." served in the U.S. Air Force.  They established a home in Washington, D.C., and became the proud parents of three children, Eric, Leonard, and Pamela.   In 1957, the family united with the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Southeast Washington, D.C..  J.C. and Mary served faithfully for 45 years in the Deacon, Deaconess and Christian Education Ministries.  Mary retired from the Defense Logistics Agency after more than 20 years of government service.   In 2005, J.C.  and Mary moved to Palm Coast, Florida.   They united with the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast where Mary served as a Deaconess, and used her administrative skills as an editor for the Calvary Courier.   She enjoyed the vibrant Christian life and loving church family at Mt. Calvary, and her continuous learning and growth in her Christian journey.

A Beautiful Transition

Mary entered into a new phase of life with Christ on Saturday, October 12, 2019.  She transitioned peacefully, leaving to mourn and celebrate her life, "J.C.", her husband of 64 years; her three children, Eric (and Andrea, Laurel, Md), Leonard (St. Augustine, Fla), and Pamela (Cheverly, Md); her grandchildren Eric Jr., Levoy, Nickaya, Arrington, Addison and Suni; her great granddaughter Kyarra; her brother Johnny Wright (Maryville, Ca.), her sister Faye Brantley (Chattanooga, Tn); her sister-in-law, Ann Starks (Atlanta, Ga); family friend Naomi, and a host of nephews, nieces, and loving friends, all of whom will cherish the gift of her loving presence in our lives.