Foster D. Johnson

Foster D. Johnson, native of Jeanerette, Louisiana and a resident of Morgan City, Louisiana, who left this earthly realm on July17, 2026, just shy of his 98th birthday. Foster lived a life filled with love, laughter, and profound dedication to his family, church, and community.

Foster was born on July 19, 1928 and was the third beloved child of six sons born to of the late Louis and Burnedet (Dezazan) Johnson. His primary and secondary education was in Iberia Parish and he completed high school in 1946. After completing his high school studies in 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for three (3) years and after completion he received an honorable discharge. One year later, after completion of services in the U. S. Airforce, in 1950, he reenlisted in the U.S. Army for another three (3) years and received another honorable discharge. In addition, he was a World War II Veteran and Korean Veteran. He was in his second tour of service when he decided to marry his sweetheart, the late Doris Mae Griffen.

Foster decided after his honorable discharges to go back to school to obtain his degrees. He enrolled in Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. He then continued his education to receive his Masters of Arts Degree and Plus 30 Accredited Hours above a Master’s Degree in Education from Prairie View College in Texas. Further studies were also completed later at the University of Lafayette in Lafayette, Louisiana. After obtaining all his degrees, he worked for 30 plus years as a Public School Teacher at several schools in Morgan City and served as the first black Principal for many years at Jacquet Elementary in Morgan City, Louisiana, in which he retired in that role.

Foster was the recipient of many awards and accolades during his educational career. He served as a School Board Member from 1991 - 1994. Other Community past service was as follows: Board of Director for St. Mary Community Action Agency, Board of Director for St. Mary Association for Retarded Citizens, Served as a member of St. Mary Manpower Commission, Member of Morgan City Board of Adjustment, Boy Scout Leader, Member of Morgan City Auditorium & Tourist Committee, Member of St. Mary Parish Advisory Council-United Way, Member of Morgan City July 4th Committee, and Member of Young Memorial Technical Institute Advisory Committee. He also worked as a car salesman in Morgan City. Lastly, in his latter years, Foster also became a member of the National Education Association, AARP, Louisiana Retired Teachers Association and ST. Mary Retired Teachers Association.

Foster was a man of the outdoors, finding joy and solace in fishing, shrimping, and gardening. His hands were never idle, always working on projects around the home. Known for his strong opinions and deep care for others, Foster's presence was a comforting constant in the lives of those who knew him.

Foster accepted Christ at an early age and was always involved in his church. He was a faithful member and usher of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Morgan City, LA until his health failed.

A Wake will be held from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church 113 Federal Avenue Morgan City, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until Celebration of a Legend at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church 113 Federal Avenue Morgan City, Louisiana. Burial will follow in the Beau Pre' Memorial Park in Jeanerette, Louisiana.

He leaves behind a legacy of love through his surviving family: his devoted daughter, Dr. Janice M. Johnson Umezulike Jack, and son-in-law, Lester Jack; his treasured grandchildren, Doris N. Umezulike and Bedford I. Umezulike along with his wife, Kristen; and his great-granddaughter, Kassidy Umezulike. Foster is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever remember his warmth and kindness.

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Doris Mae Griffen Johnson, with whom he shared 63 wonderful years of marriage, his brothers Hoover, Schooler, Booker, Hammond, and Herbert Johnson, and his grandson, Foster N. Umezulike.