Mr. Robert James Foster peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Beacon Place Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, with his youngest son at his bedside.
Robert was born on April 27, 1931 in Lancaster, South Carolina to the late Dr. John C. Clinton and Bernice Foster. He is preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Yvonne Cunningham, Betty Jean Cousart, Mildred Hardy, Susie Wade, and Audrey Clinton; one son GySgt. (Ret) Randolph Harris; and one grandson, Dennis “DJ” Foster, Jr.
In 1948, Robert was baptized and became an active member of Mount Tabor AME Zion Church, in Lancaster. Robert joined the Trinity AME Zion Church, shortly after relocating to Greensboro, North Carolina. Where he served faithfully until his wife’s and his health began to decline. During his tenure, he faithfully served as a member of the Board of Trustees, the Senior Usher Board, Gospel Choir, Half-Century Club, and Men’s Progressive Club. Trinity acknowledged his commitment. He received special recognition and appreciation for “Loyal and Dedicated Service,” “Recognition of Attendance in the Lay Council Workshops,” and Trustee Emeritus status.
Robert had a very creative mind and was exceptionally gifted with his hands. As a result of the skills he attained at Lancaster Training School, he worked exclusively as a welder, cement finisher, finish carpenter, and construction foreman. Amazingly, his hands were always smooth and well manicured.
On August 28, 1954, Robert married the inseparable love of his life, Randy James. They later moved to Greensboro, North Carolina. He was a dedicated and loving provider who took great pleasure in caring for his wife and children. Robert loved fishing, frying fish, cooking turtles, frog legs, and tripe for the daring. His yard was always immaculately trimmed and flowering with blooms (for his beautiful wife), fruit trees and spicy hot peppers that he graciously shared with his neighbors and friends.
Not only did Robert love his family but he also always had a heart for helping others. In doing so, he served as a member of numerous community organizations, including, but not limited to, the Guilford County Emergency Management Team, the Kings Forest Neighborhood Association, the Concerned Citizens of Northeast Greensboro and the Eastside Civitan Club.
In furtherance of his commitment to service and unity, Robert was a member of St. John Lodge #12 F. & amp; A. M. Greensboro Consistory #106 A.A.S.R. Freemasonry (PHA); Khalif Temple #144 A.E.A.O.N.M.S.; The United Supreme Council 33° AASR of Freemasonry (PHA); and Order of the Eastern Star, (PHA). His strong sense of leadership afforded him notable accolades such as: Supreme Council 33° Grand Inspector General of the year; United Supreme Council Honorary 33° Mason; Greensboro Consistory #106 AASR Freemasonry (PHA) Recognition of Meritorious Service; Saint John’s Lodge #12 F. & A.M. (PHA) Recognitions of Distinguished Services and Personal Contributions; Appreciation for Faithful and Dedicated Service to Freemasonry by transforming 28 men into Master Masons thereby forming C. W. Lawrence #837 in May 1986.
Robert was a very charismatic, charming, proud and dapper man. He will surely be missed by his son, Dennis Foster Sr. (Sherry) of Ridgeway, Virginia; daughter, Zanzella Foster Savoy (Terry) of Greensboro, North Carolina; and son, GySgt. (Ret.) Darryl Foster (Shirley) of Wake Forest, North Carolina; one brother, Richard Foster (Jane) of Owings Mills, Maryland; two sisters, Johnnie Mae Banks of the District of Columbia, and Willa Taylor of Cincinnati, Ohio; 12 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; 2 great-great-great grandchildren and a host of other loving family members.
Throughout his life, God placed many special people along his journey, a goddaughter, Mikosha “Connie” Gatson (Darryl); very special friends, Leon and Codella Phipps; and caring neighbors, Dr. Goldie Wells, Andre’and Kimberly Allen, Theodore and Shirley Vanstory.
The family visitation will be held from 3-4 p.m. and Masonic Rights 4-5 p.m., Monday, April 26 the in the Perry J.Brown Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 12 noon at Maplewood Cemetery, Greensboro, NC.
Services Entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home (336)-272-6109.
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