Obituaries

Mary Welch Foster, 79, of Ridgeway, Virginia, entered her eternal rest Saturday, April 25, 2026. She was born in Henry County, Virginia, on August 2, 1946, to William Welch and Callie Thomas Penn Welch, both of whom are deceased.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, David Welch, William Welch, James Welch; and maternal grandmother, Mary Ann Penn.

Mary was a woman of Christian faith and a member of Mayo Missionary Baptist Church. She loved her church family and enjoyed gospel music. She was a graduate of George Washington Carver High School and demonstrated an incredible work ethic. Her home was where she found peace; it was here that she loved to cook delicious meals and care for her family. Her absence has left a void here on earth that can only be filled with the beautiful memories that she shared with her friends and family.

Her memory will be held in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, including her loving husband, Johnnie C. Foster; daughter, Lisa Foster Smith; sisters, Patricia Foster, Melinda Welch; brother, Percy Welch; grandchildren, Lindell Williams, Rashad Williams, Kilaina Williams; great-grandchildren, Breyonna Covington, Aliyah Williams, Kamariah Williams, Raidyn Williams, and Kyyale Williams.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Mayo Missionary Baptist Church, located at 3554 Horsepasture Price Road, Ridgeway, Virginia, with Pastor Dwight Mack, eulogist. A floating visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 2:00-5:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.