Maxine Virginia Foster's Obituary
God’s Masterpiece:
January 8, 1932-June 15, 2015
Maxine Rutland Foster, a “true” woman of God’s word, lived a long and
spiritual life beyond God’s promise of 3 scores and 10. Maxine was
born to Morris and Ivester Rutland on January 8, 1932 in the quaint
little city of Forsyth, Georgia (60 miles south of Atlanta). Maxine was
always known to her parents as a “special child”, one that had to be
challenged with above average activities and academia. Her parents
recognized at an early age that her high level of energy required
constructive harnessing. As a result, Maxine took private piano lessons
that were a “country mile away from home” that she had to walk every
day. Maxine (Mother, Granny), graduated from Hubbard High School in
Forsyth where she was the Valedictorian of her class. She continued her
education at Fort Valley State College where her dreams and
aspirations were to be a Doctor of Medicine. Maxine graduated from
Fort Valley State University with a B.S. in Biology. She furthered her
education at Atlanta University where she received her Master’s Degree
in Biology. Maxine was always one that sacrificed her time and her
talents. After completing her education she sacrificed and assisted her
parents monetarily in educating her only sibling, Robbie (Rutland)
Bronner. Maxine was a college Biology instructor at Albany State
College for several years.
She later married the love of her life, Prentice Foster, on June 13,
1954. Three girls were born to this union; Glenda, Linda and Gail. In
1964, the family headed northwest to St. Louis, so that Prentice could
explore more lucrative employment opportunities. Maxine was quickly
employed with Charles Sumner High School where she spent 23 years
doing what she enjoyed most, teaching her students Biology. Maxine
always boasted about her student’s “true” character and their
intelligence and felt they were the “crème dela crème.” She prided
herself in preparing her students to compete with any student in the
world and would pit them against all students regardless of their
educational or cultural exposure. She left an indelible impression upon
her students.
Maxine, coming from a family of many ministers, always had a church
home. Maxine was a devout tithing member of Shalom Church (City of
Peace) since February 2008 where she was under the spiritual
guidance of her once student from Sumner High School, Reverend, Dr.
Freddy James Clark, Pastor and founder of Shalom Church (City of
Peace). Prior to joining Shalom Church (City of Peace), Maxine was a
long time dedicated member of St. Paul, AME Church from the time the
family moved to St. Louis.
Maxine was extremely competitive and a natural leader. In her
early life, she was an avid bridge player. Her best friend and bridge
partner, Gloria Hicks, competed on a national level and won many
trophies. She also enjoyed challenging anyone (Gloria Hicks or
Annie Evans) that thought they had a vocabulary to a game of
Scrabble or solving the challenge word of the daily Crossword
puzzle. Once Maxine recognized that she was able to challenge
her friends and family (Joan Wilder) electronically, she mastered
the scrabble word game on her iPad and played consistently
throughout the day.
As a leader, after retirement, Maxine founded a missionary group
who referred to themselves as the Angels (Mary Thompson, Julia
Brunson, and Marion Echols). The Angels made hospital/home
visits to pray with and feed the sick.
Maxine was well traveled; she vacationed in the Holy Land,
England, France, Italy, Mexico, Hawaii, Jamaica, Egypt, Dominican
Republic, Alaska and the Fiji Islands, to name a few.
Maxine and her sister, Robbie had an unbreakable bond and a
very special connection. Robbie was her best friend and confidant
in all matters: personal, professional, and spiritual. Maxine and
Robbie read the Bible together every day. In fact, Maxine’s very
last moments were spent reading the bible on the phone with her
sister, Mary and Aldoris; this time, she led the closing prayer.
There is nothing like a mother’s love! Maxine loved and adored her
children, grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditionally.
“Mother” was our best friend and counselor. She shared her
wisdom on relationships, parenting, cooking and life. Maxine
sacrificed everything to ensure that all of her children would not
lack in terms of love, education, finances and spiritual guidance.
Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the love her life,
and she was the love of theirs. “Mother”, “Granny” will be truly
missed, but she placed an irreplaceable footprint in all our lives
that will live forever!
Maxine leaves to cherish her memory: a loving husband of 61
years ~ Prentice Foster, St. Louis, Mo; three daughters ~ Glenda
Grimes (Michael Grimes, Sr.), Linda Fisher (Andrew Presberry -
Fiancé) and Gail Foster; a devoted and loving sister ~ Robbie
Bronner of Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren ~ Michael Grimes, Jr.
(Cenya), Morgan Fisher II, Ryan Fisher, Kalen Grimes (Natalie) and
Lauren Maxine Fisher; four great grandchildren ~ Micah Grimes,
Riley Fisher, Kaley Fisher and Kalen Grimes, Jr; one Goddaughter
~ Akila Bryant; a brother-in-law ~ Tyus Brantley (Willene) of
Barnesville, GA; sister-in-law ~ Rosa Evans of Forsyth, GA; several
very special and devoted friends ~ Ms. Gloria Hicks, Ms. Aldoris
Hudson, Mrs. Mary Thompson; host of nieces, nephews, cousins,
relatives, dear friends and her special Angel of Mercy, Annie
Evans.
What’s your fondest memory of Maxine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Maxine?
Share a story where Maxine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Maxine you’ll never forget.
How did Maxine make you smile?