Mary Irene Foster

Mary Irene Foster, 69, of Savannah went home to be with Jesus on March 2, 2021. She was born on September 26, 1951 to Charles and Louise Wheat in St. Louis, Missouri. As a young child, she moved from St. Louis to Cahokia, Illinois where she lived until 1987. Mary, her husband, and her children relocated to Lebanon, IL where they lived for 13 years before her life journey carried her to Madrid, Iowa. In 2013, Mary and her husband settled in Savannah, Tennessee. She never knew a stranger and left a meaningful footprint in every place she lived.  

Mary met the love of her life, Ronald Foster, at the age of 13 while attending youth group at Centreville Baptist Church, and they have been inseparable ever since. On November 28, 1970 they united as one in Cahokia, Illinois, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage last year. She was the proud mother of her daughter April and son Vince, and beloved grandma to Kaylee, Tyler-Rae, and Rylan. She is survived by her siblings Linda (Terry) Taylor, Kelly (Tom) Berry, Shirley (Michael) Pigg, Brenda (Paul) Carroll, Ricky (Julie) Foster, Sheila (Fred) Holst, and Cynthia (Eddie) Hill; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Mary worked as a pharmacy tech at Family Pharmacy in Trenton, Illinois and at Medicap in Madrid, IA, where she became known within the community as “Medicap Mary.”

Mary loved Jesus deeply and without reservation. Driven by her unwavering faith, Mary lived a life that declared “Yet not I, but Christ who lives within me.” She spent her life investing in others – her family, her neighbors, her church, and her community. Without any concern for herself, Mary was the first to volunteer, and the last to leave when there was work to be done. She found joy in serving others, a true reflection of the heart of God.

His goodness shone brightly through her. “Ms. Mary” was a permanent fixture at Mount Hermon Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, doing crafts at VBS, or volunteering in the kitchen to feed the Hardin County Tigers before the games on Fridays. But she was also the hands and feet of Jesus outside the walls of the church in every community where she has lived. She led singing and devotions for seniors at nursing homes during her years in Illinois. During her time in Iowa, she stepped out of her comfort zone to minister to international students and their families at Iowa State University, many with whom she maintained relationships until the present day. After retiring to Savannah, she volunteered at Christian Assistance Ministry food bank and participated in outreach at the Jack Gean Shelter for Women. Her selfless spirit changed countless lives. She loved people on purpose. 

We find peace knowing that Mary is resting peacefully in the arms of her Savior. But she will be missed deeply by all. Well done, good and faithful servant.

SERVICE INFORMATION
Visitation and funeral services will be at Mount Hermon Baptist Church in Savannah, Tennessee.
Visitation – Friday, March 5, 5:00-8:00pm
Visitation – Saturday, March 6, 1:00-3:00pm
Funeral Service – Saturday, March 6, 3:00pm

Service will be streamed live on Mount Hermon Baptist Church’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/mhbaptist

Memorials in Mary’s honor can be made to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the American Cancer Society.