Birdie L Foster

Birdie Lavonne Hamilton was born September 6, 1927 in Iola, Kansas to Harry Melvin and Lucille Margaret (Ayers) Hamilton. She grew up in Iola and lived there through her junior year of high school. Her family moved to Overland Park, Kansas and she graduated from Shawnee Mission High School.

Birdie and her parents were charter members of the Overland Park Church of God (Holiness) and attended there the remainder of her life. She has served the church in many capacities- children's Sunday school teacher, Junior Department Superintendent, Vacation Bible School director, Caravan leader, but most notable almost 60 years as Secretary-Treasurer. In the 1980s her pastor, Rev. Ray Pollard, wrote to Birdie and Alvan: "We so much appreciate your godly lives, your service to the church and cause of God, your fellowship in Christ, your steadfast faith, and your prayers for us! God bless you both!!"

Through church she became best friends with Anna Foster and Ruth Speak. In 1945 she began corresponding with Anna's twin brother, Alvan Lavern Foster, while he was serving in the Army. Three months after his discharge they were married on March 9, 1947 in the dining hall of Kansas City College and Bible School, which at the time was where the church was worshiping. Their home was blessed by one daughter, Constance Lucille. Birdie and Connie were not only mother and daughter, they were also best friends. They always had such good times together- on family vacations, antique shopping, even wallpapering a bedroom.

Birdie began having health problems in July 2012. She was diagnosed with some heart problems. In August 2013 she received a pacemaker. She continued to live at home, although she was slowing down and was not able to do as much as she would have liked. On July 5 she fell and hit her head hard enough that it caused bleeding on the brain. After five days in the hospital, she was transferred to rehab. Her condition continued to deteriorate, and Birdie passed into heavenly rest on August 8, 2014.