Obituaries

On Saturday, November 12, 2022, at SOVAH Health, Martinsville, Virginia, Elsie Mae Rumley Foster departed to her heavenly home. She was born April 25, 1932, to the late Haywood and Vurnia Rumley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James C. Foster; her son, James Carnell Foster; her siblings, Wille E. Rumley, Sr., and Macie Dickerson; grandsons, Clyde II Foster, Aaron Patterson, and Edward Lamont Foster.

Those left behind to cherish her memory include: her four children, Rev. Clyde (Aurelia) Foster, Virginia (Harry) Boyce, Edward (Geneva) Foster, Ruby (Howard) Waller; eleven grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; thirteen great great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She married the love of her life the late James C. Foster on December 25, 1947. To this union five children were born. Elsie had a passion for cooking, sewing, and taking care of her flowers. She was a lifelong member of Saint Paul High Street Baptist Church where she served on multiple committees.

A visitation will be held Thursday, November 17, 2022, beginning at 11:30 a.m. until the time of her funeral service at 12:00 p.m. The service will be held at Saint Paul High Street Baptist Church, Martinsville, Virginia, with Reverend Matthew Brown, eulogist. Burial will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens. A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Hairston Funeral Home. According to the CDC guidelines a face covering and social distancing is required.

To view live streaming of the funeral service, go to Hairston Funeral Home live on Facebook.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home.