Mary Bestrice (Dover) Foster

GREENSBORO Mary Beatrice Dover Foster, 94,died Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Beacon Place Hospice Care in Greensboro. Mary was born to the late Ophelia and Arthur Dover, Sr. on February 13, 1925 in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. She is the oldest of thirteen (13) children.  She became affectionately known as “Ms. Bea”.  She began her walk with God at an early age working in the ministry along with the late Rev. W. C. Foster.  Together, they both founded New Mount Zion Baptist church located in Gaffney, SC and to this day their pictures are on display as a tribute to their legacy.  During her work in the ministry and as a First Lady, she pioneered the Missionary Department and the Usher Board along with other opportunities for serving.  She was a member of New Life Ministries Church of Greensboro under the leadership of Apostle W. Carl Foster where she founded the Ushers Ministry.  She was a faithful member until she became too ill to attend. One of her other proud moments was working in her own Mary Kay business in which she touched so many lives through her love and wisdom.

She was married to the late Rev. Willie Cleo Foster in September, 1940 who preceded her in death in 1996.  Living 94 years on this earth, Ms. Bea leaves to celebrate her life, seven (7) children, Elzie Foster (Elaine) of Bowie, Maryland; Betty Osborne (Floyd) of Dallas, Texas; W. Ann Shears (Arlie); Apostle W. Carl Foster (Deborah) of Greensboro, NC;  Carolyn Foster of Washington, DC; Dr. Ethel Chiles-Neal (Alec) and Teresa Graves (Billy) of Greensboro, N.C.; 19 Grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. 

She also leaves ten (10) siblings to cherish her memories, Arthur L. Dover, Jr. (Edna), Charles Dover; Clarence Dover Sr. (Marva); Minnie L. Leach (Choice); M. Bobby Dover (Carolyn); all of Gaffney, SC;  Willie Mae Norris; Rev. Robert L. Dover (Dorothy);  Willie Mae Norris; Clementine Vanlue, all of Shelby, NC; Dizzy Dean Dover (Agnes) of Sherrills Ford, NC; and her longtime friend, Ethelene Davidson of Gaffney, S.C; a host of other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruth D. Martin, Maggie Brown, and Addie D. Beattie.

Mary Beatrice Foster, 94, of Greensboro, 

Funeral Services, 12:00 PM, Friday, October 18, 2019, at Mount Zion Baptist Church , 1301 Alamance Church Road, Greensboro.

Interment, October 18, 2019, Lakeview Memorial Park,, 3600 N. O'Henry Blvd., Greensboro.

Visitation, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Friday, Mount Zion Baptist Church .

Arrangements by Community Funeral Service, Inc.

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