Lillie C. Foster

Lillie Carter Foster was born on November 11th, 1934 as the only child to Archie Carter and Alice McPherson Carter in New Orleans, Louisiana. She lived along the bayou in Montegut, Louisiana before moving to Tacoma Washington after the early death of her father.  She grew up in a loving extended family home with her mother Alice, her aunt Helen Adams, her uncle Milton Adams and her cousin Louise Adams Crews who was like a sister to her.  

Lillie, full of ambition, attended Lincoln High School where her extraordinary musical and vocal gifts resulted in a full scholarship to Washington State College (now Washington University). Lillie’s angelic soprano voice uplifted the spirits of many in her church choirs at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Tacoma, WA, Washington Presbyterian Church in Reading, PA and Bethel Community Church of Pottstown in Pottstown, PA.  Professional audiences were also graced with the sound of her voice as she sang as a member and leading soloist with The Coventry Singers of Pottstown, PA as well as gracing the musical theatre stage in memorable productions such as Porgy & Bess as well as accompanying the Reading Symphony to mention just a few.  

Just after her college graduation, Lillie met the love of her life and soul mate, the late John Foster while he was stationed at Fort Lewis US Army base in Tacoma, Washington.  They married shortly after his discharge in a truly HAPPY and LOVING union of 61 years until John’s death in 2021.   No one on the earth has ever witnessed them raise their voices to one another!  Together they had three children, Jeffrey, Anthony, and Sonya, three grandchildren, Justin, Jazzmyn, and Dejan, and three great-grandchildren, Declan Reid, Nolan John, and Gracen Alice

Lillie, along with her husband John, was an avid Toastmaster both locally and on the district level. She has been recognized for her outstanding achievements having reached the level of District Governor.   Lillie’s local contributions to community and leadership include life long membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated since 1958, past president of the League of Women Voters, The Eastern Pennsylvania Business Journal Spotlight Award, State Senator Central Pennsylvania African American Museum Achievement Award, The International Executive Guild, as well as others too numerous to mention.

Lillie’s career talents included Music Performance and Education, Political Leadership and Community Volunteering. Her career began as a teacher for many years in the Pottstown School district. She then worked for a short time in the insurance industry. However, she is most known for her works  as an accomplished Realtor.

Lillie passed away peacefully and comfortably in her home on February 14th 2023. While holding the hand of her son and caretaker Anthony, she went on to meet her husband, John, for their Valentine’s Day date.  Lillie’s life was good, touched countless, and will be missed and remembered always by us all.

Lillie’s Life Celebration will be held at Bethel Community Church 575 North Keim Street Pottstown PA Viewing: 10AM – 11AM Service: 11AM.  Internment to follow at Berks County Memorial Gardens where she will be laid to rest between her mother, Alice, and husband, John, in the family mausoleum.  

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