Vassie Novella Foston

Vassie Mae Novella Madison was born to Archie Madison and Bonnie Madison on September 26, 1934, in Langston, Oklahoma. She moved to Fresno, California, during her childhood in 1946. Novella later went on to graduate from Edison High School in 1953. She married Wilburt Dunn and welcomed four beautiful children, Vanessa, Sabrina, Ulysses, and Brian. She was a pillar of the community, becoming the first African-American Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) representative in the City of Fresno, California. A few years later, she moved to the newly constructed DMV in the City of Clovis, becoming the first African American Department of Motor Vehicles representative in Clovis, California. She was known affectionately as “ Novie” by her colleagues at both sites and recognized for her infectious smile, loving nature, and professional expertise. In 2009, Novella was inducted in the African-American Historical and Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley as a Trailblazer.

Christ was instilled in her from an early age, and she was a member of the California and Weller Avenue Church of Christ, where she was baptized and later the Woodward Park Church of Christ. She served faithfully in a myriad of congregations in the Central Valley as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader for the Palm Avenue Southeast Asian ministry, and as a member of Woodward Park's visitation ministry for the sick and shut-in.

She attended Fresno City College and was an avid learner. Her favorite book to read was the Bible, and she was always known to quote scripture and memorized and often recited her favorite verses. Novella faithfully attended lectures at Woodward Park Church of Christ, and she had a catalog of books and recordings from her favorite sermons over the years. She loved to sing church hymns and was known lovingly for belting out gospel songs in her cheerful tone.

She later married her second husband, Arthur, and they shared an unbreakable bond over the years. They spent their retirement years devoted to their blended family. Arthur and Novella were known for their kindness and generosity to several charitable causes within the Central Valley region. They were active in ministry for prisoners, homeless outreach, and philanthropic efforts for California State University, Fresno, where Arthur was professor emeritus, and encouraging minority education/access in the STEM field.

Her family grew over the years, and she was the proud grandmother of Janisha, Jania, Ulysses, and Shani. She later became a great-grandmother to Caleb, Christian, Jayden, Savannah, William, Noah, and Audrey. She was devoted to her "youngins" as she lovingly called them, and would frequently take them to church, summer camps, Bible camps, piano lessons, gymnastics, sports events, theater workshops, and family vacations domestically and abroad. She cultivated a love of learning and stressed the importance of education in all forms, but frequently advised that a degree could never be taken away. She proudly attended school events such as graduations, achievement ceremonies, and created an award system to encourage straight A's for the children in the family.

Her love of family was limitless, and her wise and measured counsel as the family matriarch was treasured. Novella was a source of joy to those outside her family and was known for her quick wit, charming nature, sass, and grit. She imparted her wisdom in her distinct Oklahoma accent with her "Novie-isms." This unique lingo was quickly embraced by those around her. Novella's loud, unmistakable drawl would often be followed by a laugh and a wide smile. Her small stature contained a huge presence that instantly made you feel welcomed and at ease.

Novella continued to draw people in as a staple of her retirement community, The Windham, and she frequently socialized with her neighbors and staff. She even crafted a signature drink that is still on the menu today called the 'Carla,' after one of her favorite staff members. Novella always ordered a special beverage from the dining room, a mixture of cranberry juice, apple juice, and orange juice. One day she said to Carla, "Let's just call it 'The Carla' since we both know what the ingredients are." The name resonated and is now enjoyed by many Windham residents.

She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur Foston of Fresno CA; son Wilbur Ulysses Dunn, and siblings; Archie Payton Madison (Evelyn), Betty Madison Armstrong (Bernie), Bennie Madison Whitten Shelton (William/Ernest), Evelyn Madison, and Alma Madison. Left to celebrate Novella’s life are her sister — Mae Pearl Salter, her children — Vanessa Richardson, Sabrina Dunn-Nasr, Brian Dunn, her grandchildren — Janisha Richardson, Jania Otey, Ulysses Dunn, and Rashida Shani Dunn-Nasr, her great-grandchildren — Jayden Rincon, Williams Taito, Noah Taito, Savannah Dunn, Audrey Taito, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends

Vassie Novella Foston's Homegoing and Celebration of Life Memorial is Friday, January 28, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Woodward Park Church of Christ, 7886 N. Millbrook Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720 (on the corner of Nees & Millbrook Avenues). Masks are required. There will not be a repast due to covid safety concerns. Expressions of love, condolences, and flowers may be delivered to the church by 8:30 am on Jan. 28th. The family also welcomes donations made in Novella's memory to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, a non-profit organization https://www.disasterreliefeffort.org/. Please check back prior to the Celebration of Life for the complete obituary.

Homegoing and Celebration of Life Memorial, Friday, January 28, 2022, 11:00 a.m. pacific, at Woodward Park Church of Christ, 7886 N. Millbrook Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720 (on the corner of Nees & Millbrook Avenues). Masks are required.

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