Marie Foster Obituary

Marie Hall Foster

December 3, 1930 -

October 9, 2024

JOHNSON CITY - Marie Hall Foster, aged 93, passed away peacefully at her residence in Johnson City on October 9, 2024.

Marie was born to Cecil and Doris Hall in Bromley, England on December 3, 1930. Growing up in southeast England, Marie endured the ravages of World War II, as well as separation from her parents and older sister, Jean Hall, while evacuated with her grammar school mates to Wales during the latter years of the war. Marie was working for the British Industry of Food in 1951, and planning to emigrate to New Zealand, when she met a handsome young USAF airman, Bill Foster, at a local dance in Dover, England.

Bill and Marie married in 1952 and enjoyed Air Force life in various postings, including England, Spokane WA, France, Warner Robbins GA, Las Vegas NV and Hampton VA. Bill retired from the Air Force in 1968, at which time the family moved to Johnson City. Marie obtained her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education at ETSU, and then embarked on a career in Elementary Education including teaching positions at Keystone and Columbus Powell Elementary Schools in Johnson City. Teaching youngsters was Marie's greatest passion and she was committed to furthering the education of all of her young students.

After her retirement in 1991, Marie and Bill enjoyed many delightful years together with lots of exciting travel adventures as well as wonderful times with family. After Bill's death in 2006, Marie lived happily in their home for another 18 years, for which her family is so very grateful.

Marie will be sorely missed by daughters Barbara (Ken) Love of Johnson City, Linda (Mike) McCombs of Houston TX and Judy Foster (John Pickett) of Mount Vernon WA; grandchildren Adam Love (Bobbi), Jamie Love (Dana Thomas), Beth Wyrick (Julie) and Chris McCombs as well as honorary granddaughter Melandie Simerly; great granddaughters Brooklyn, Madeleine, Annie and Austynn; and her beloved Gingy, "the Little White Monster".

Special thanks to Melissa, Katy and all the fine folks at Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice, who so compassionately cared for Marie and greatly assisted her daughters during the final three weeks of her life.

Marie will be laid to eternal rest alongside Bill during a Private Family Service and Interment at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Because Marie's pets gave her such unconditional love and greatly enriched her life, we would be honored for any donations to be made in Marie's memory to the Washington County/Johnson City Animal SheIter (wcjcanimalshelter.org).

Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com. Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City is serving the Foster family. 423-928-2245