Mrs. Bessie Mae Johnson Foster

Bessie Mae Johnson Foster was born to the late Ezekiel and Bessie Johnson, June 11,1938, in Clyattville, Georgia. She was the sixth child of nine siblings.

She was educated in the Lowndes County School System and graduated in 1955 from the Lowndes County Training High School. She moved to Albany, GA to continue her education at Albany State College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1959.

She was married to James H. Foster in 1962, to this union two sons were born.

Recognizing her desire to help, teach, and to serve others, she chose to further her education at Atlanta University, School of Library Services where she received her Master of Science degree in College Library Services in 1967.

It is said that a good librarian is intelligent, kind-hearted, interesting, witty, likeable, knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and amazing. Bessie Mae possessed all these traits and more. She demonstrated her passion as a librarian while being employed for Cook and Lanier County, Florida A&M University, Alcon A&M College in Mississippi, Valdosta High School, Carnegie Public Library in Pennsylvania, Central State University, Sinclair Community College and Wilberforce University, in Ohio.

Bessie Mae was filled with so much love and concern not only for her students, but for her family whom she brought so much joy. Her special smile, caring heart, thoughtfulness, and warm embrace will be greatly missed.

Bessie Mae accepted the Lord and Savior at an early age at First Oak Grove Baptist Church in Clyattville, Georgia. She later became a member of Silver Run Baptist Church where she worshipped faithfully.

Bessie Mae transitioned into eternal wisdom and knowledge, Saturday, December 27, 2014.

In addition to her parents, Bessie Mae is preceded in death by two sisters: Barbara J. Johnson Brown and Amy Anna Johnson Crawford; three brothers: Willie Ezekiel Johnson, Napoleon Johnson, and Carlton Johnson.

Bessie Mae leaves to celebrate her life and love, two sons: James H. Foster II and Arthur Foster II; two sisters: Bernice Johnson Barnes and Cleve Ola Johnson Jetter; one brother and sister in-law: Lonnie and Mary L. Johnson (The Johnson II); and a host of nieces, nephews (along with their spouses), great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, family and friends.

The celebration of life for the late Mrs. Bessie Mae Johnson Foster will be held Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00am from the sanctuary of Silver Run Baptist.

Rev. Andrew Fleming will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Forrest Grove Cemetery.