Bernice Gillespie Foster born March 19, 1934 in Weldon, Arkansas, in woodruff County. Bernice or "Grandma Foster" as many have known her, never met a stranger. She lived a full and active life. At the early age she helped out on the family's farm and took care of the home and family. Bernice, as a young lady, worked hard at school and was on the basketball team at Carver High School. She liked to dance, wear fancy dresses, watch soap operas and play cards. Pinochle, Rummy, and Bid Whist were her games of choice. She often reminisced about these times. Many know of Mrs. Foster's love of sports. If there was game on; she would do her best to watch it. She also participated in a bowling league, where she helped her team advance to championship level. At age 19, she met a young man named Claude Ellis Foster. She soon found herself married to an enlisted army soldier who later became an officer. This chapter in her life took her to Germany and many states, including Hawaii. Eventually she was outvoted by the family and ended up in Texas. Bernice was more than just a military wife. She attended the post Graduate Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois and became a practical nurse. Bernice provided private patient care, worked at Thompson Hospital, William Beaumont Army Medical Center in the newborn nursery, and did a stint as Socorro High School's Nurse. She actively participated in the NCO Non-Commissioned Officers club and served as president of one of the VFW units. She donated care packets to local veterans, sold buddy poppies, and volunteered at First Horizon City Baptist Church, William Beaumont Army Hospital, and at the VA. She was a founding member of First Baptist Church of Horizon City and was involved with the Oz Glaze Senior Center. She enjoyed eating at Golden Corral with friends and family. Bernice firmly believed in people doing what is right. She may not have been an official educator, but she taught us invaluable lessons about life. Bernice was a rock and matriarch to her family. She will be remembered by her 4 daughters; Bernice "Cherry-Coco" Claudetta Foster, Jacquelynn Dianne Lynn Foster Aguilar, Regina Rechelle Hilliard Foster, and Carolyn Denise Kennedy; 14 grandchildren, a host of greatgrandchildren, and many cherished friends. on August 8, 2021 Bernice joined former husband Claude and granddaughter Daaiyah Mahasen Yasmeen Foster in Heavenly fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
A visitation service for Bernice will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Crestview Funeral Home, 1462 North Zaragoza Rd.. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11:30 AM, 1462 North Zaragoza Rd.. A graveside service will occur Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 1:30 PM at Evergreen East Cemetery, 12400 East Montana.
