Beverly Jean Foster

Beverly Jean Foster passed away on August 22, 2026 in Bridgeton, North Carolina, at the age of 77. She leaves behind her husband, David Fort; her sister, Patricia Kardane; her son, Brad Graham (Margaret Panagoulis); her daughter, Andrea Graham (Michael Plavin); her stepson, Jed Fort (Jill Fort-Valiant); her stepdaughter, Sarah Fort (Eric Powell); and grandchildren, Noa Gitelson, Rhys Fort, Ellery Fort, Jackson Powell, and Wesley Powell. Beverly leaves behind numerous indoor and outdoor cats and many extended family members and friends from all chapters of her life, all of whom will miss her terribly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Hattie Foster, and her brother, Robert Foster.

A graduate of Central Bucks West High School in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, she went on to earn her B.A. and M.A. degrees in music from Pennsylvania State University and Northwestern University. She also earned a professional certification in public relations from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. Beverly taught piano privately and also taught in public schools in Baltimore. She went on to work as a magazine editor for Maryland Public Television before moving back to Pennsylvania, where she produced publications at Right Management Consultants and Villanova University. Beverly then served as editor of the Risk Management Association's monthly journal, retiring from there in 2007. Upon moving to Bridgeton, she was employed as an associate professor of music at Craven Community College and as a newsletter editor and assistant to the director of the Craven Arts Council.

In her free time, she was an avid reader and enjoyed time with her book club; kayaking on the river with David and friends; playing music and attending concerts; and word games like Scrabble, Words with Friends, and crossword puzzles. She also participated in meaningful volunteer work with public radio and her high school class reunion events. Beverly's passion was animal welfare, particularly cats, and she volunteered for Colonial Capital Humane Society, Craven-Pamlico Animal Services, and Purring Angels.

There will be an informal open house for family and friends at the Fort-Foster residence at 109 Beach Street in Bridgeton on Sunday, September 6, 2026 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Refreshments and light fare will be available. Feel free to stop by and reminisce.

If using your GPS, put the address in as 1401 B Street in New Bern. That will bring you to our driveway where you will see a sign saying Fort-Foster Lane aka 109 Beach Street. The house is at the end of the driveway on your right. Drive through the gate and park anywhere in the yard.

There will likely also be another open house for family and friends in the New Jersey – Pennsylvania area in the fall, probably around Thanksgiving. Details will be forthcoming at a future date.

Anyone wishing to donate in her memory is asked to donate to Purring Angels, c/o Peggie Wilson, P.O. Box 68, Bridgeton, NC 28519.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Beverly Jean Foster.