Taylors, South Carolina

Mary Aulden Bostic Foster was born Tuesday, November 26, 1929, in Greenville, South Carolina.    She went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 31, 2022.  She was the firstborn child of the union of the late Rev. Marvin M. Bostic, Sr., and Missionary Naomi Atkins Bostic.  She was married to the late Edward Foster, II in 1950.  That union together lasted 29 years together until his death on April 1, 1979.  She buried three sons, the late Rev. Edward Foster, III (2006), Marvin Foster (2021) and Rev. Richard Eugene Foster (2021).  Two deceased brothers Joe Bostic and Marvin Bostic, II.

Mother Mary is survived by her sister Betty B. Bostic of Taylors, SC; a daughter, Mary LaVerne O'Neal of Atlanta, GA; two sons, Jerome C. Foster of Greenville, SC and Minister Dale Foster of Taylors, SC.  She was a grandmother of 10 and great grandmother of 11 children: along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mary was a graduate of Sterling High School class of 1947.  She continued her pursuit of excellence in education by graduating with a B. A. in Education from Benedict College, Columbia, SC, class of 1965.  Edward and Mary proudly raised their family at Jubilee Baptist Church in Taylors, SC.  She was a choir member, Sunday School teacher, Missionary leader, Sunday School Superintendent, a member of the 2nd Sunday Community Choral Union, and the list goes on.  Mary was a visionary that became one of the first black female business owners/operators in the Greenville, SC area.  She conceptualized and founded the Piney Mountain Nursery (now labeled Daycare) where many of her nursery students have become successful in business, engineering, etc., and famous in their pursuit of life and happiness.

Mrs. Foster retired as a Greenville County school teacher after serving for 27 plus years and taught and tutored both academically and spiritually to many school children and family members for 60 plus years.  Designated Teacher of the Year at Tryon Street Elementary School, Greer, SC.  At 80 years of age, she was featured in the Greer Citizen newspaper about her teaching skills and career.  Mary B. Foster was a devoted and loyal servant to the Lord, her church, community, state and   country.  She served as the 12th president of the Enoree River Baptist Association Women's Ministry from 2000 to 2005.  Mrs. Foster founded the Enoree River Baptist Association Prison Ministry.

With her love of flowers, she was a former president of the State Triangle Garden Club Council of South Carolina, and president of the Begonia Garden Club of      Taylors, SC.  A member of the National Council of Negro Women, a lifetime member of the NAACP and a spiritual instructor at Martin-Webb Learning Center, Greenville, SC.  Mary Foster was also a member of the Shekinah Chapter 197 Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star.  Was issued the Key to the City of Greenville and Laura Ridge voting precinct manager held for over 25 years.  Mrs. Foster received numerous proclamations from the City of Grenville Office of the Mayor, Greenville County Council, the Senate of the State of South Carolina and countless certificates and plaques that could support a museum.

Very well spoken of by her family, friends, colleagues and dignitaries.  We are grateful to have witnessed her maintain a humble, loving and gentle spirit over the years she was with us.

Well Done Mother Foster, Well Done!

Funeral service will be Friday, August 12, 2022, 11:00 AM at Jubilee Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.  Viewing will take place prior to the funeral service starting at 10:00 AM.

Click here to view Mrs. Foster funeral program MBFoster

Please keep the Foster family in your prayers.

The Foster family in being cared for by Sullivan Bros. Mortuary Inc.