Thelma Lee Foster

Thelma Lee Stokes Foster was born on July 19, 1919, in Marked Tree, Arkansas, to the late Van and Roberta Stokes. She was united in holy matrimony to James Foster, Jr. To this union, five children were born: four daughters, Jessie Foster Burnett, Dorothy Mae Foster Wynn, Lawrence Foster, Earnestine Foster and Barbara Foster. Charles Edward Barnes was the oldest of her six children. Thelma received Christ at an early age at Anderson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Marked Tree, Arkansas. In the early 1970's, James and Thelma relocated to Joliet, Illinois, where she joined First Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Theodore McMillian. She remained at First Union under the pastorate of Rev. Robert M. Foster, Jr., whom she loved like a son. Thelma was a faithful member of First Union Missionary Baptist Church, serving until her health failed. She was a devoted member of the choir for many years and loved to sing, read the word of God and often was asked to read a special commentary during church events. In her devotion time, she loved to listen to spirituals. She was on the Mother's board where she worked, provided spiritual guidance and was a role model to the youth. For many years, Thelma worked as a receptionist at the Ford Heights Community Service Center. Many patrons often commented on her smile and welcoming personality. When Thelma was not working, she was taking care of her plants. She loved to travel and looked forward to her family reunions in Tennessee. She was a great cook and loved providing meals during the holidays for family and friends. Thelma was a determined mother, a talented housewife and a loyal friend. She loved her family and created a warm, inviting home. Thelma loved to look and smell good and her children knew to give her perfume for a gift. Thelma transitioned from this life on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents, Van and Roberta Stokes, husband, James Foster, Jr., a son, Charles E. Barnes, and two daughters, Jessie Burnett and Dorothy Wynn. She leaves to cherish her loving memory, one son, Lawrence (Paulette) Foster, two daughters, Earnestine Foster, Barbara Foster, 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 28 great-great grandchildren, 3 great-great-great grandchildren, two nephews and a host of other relatives, friends and church members, especially Mother Jessie Williams. She was trusted, compassionate, kind, easy to talk to, always wore a smile and was a wealth of knowledge for family, friends and neighbors. She was indeed a phenomenal, gracious, loving woman and will be missed in this life, and also cherished in memory.

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Thelma Lee Foster

July 19, 1919 - September 5, 2017