Edith Edler Foster

On Friday, November 1, 2024, God, in His infinite wisdom, called home one of His faithful servants, Edith Edler Foster. Edith, 73 was born on March 25, 1951, to the late Maria Edler in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Edith was the oldest of Maria’s two children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Foster; her parents; and her brother, Andrew Edler. After living in Philadelphia for a short period, Edith, along with her mother and brother, moved back to Surry County to care for her grandmother and aunt.

Edith was a 1971 graduate of Surry County High School. Not long after graduation, she secured employment at the Newport News Shipyard Credit Union. In February of 1974, she married Melvin Foster. From this union, Edith and Melvin had three sons: Adrian Lamont, Aaron Jerome, and Melvin Edler Foster. Edith became a dedicated stay-at-home wife and mother for several years before returning to work as a retail specialist at Peebles in Smithfield, Virginia, where she worked for several years. After leaving Peebles, Edith worked at the 7-Eleven in Smithfield, the Food Lion in Williamsburg, as a companion aide for the Surry Social Services Department, and lastly at Dress Barn Woman in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Anyone who met, interacted with, or knew Edith can attest that she was dedicated, devoted, loving, and caring to her family, and equally committed to helping people in general. When speaking with her, it was rare not to receive a smile or a kind word. She enjoyed cooking, shopping, traveling, taking pictures, chatting with everyone she encountered and hanging out with her friends.

Edith was a member of Mount Nebo Baptist Church for most of her life, where she served on the Usher Board for a time before becoming the primary caregiver for her mother. 

Edith leaves to cherish her memory her three loving and devoted sons, Adrian Lamont Foster (Letitia), Aaron Jerome Foster (Jennifer), and Melvin Edler Foster; three grandchildren, Latiya Marie Street, Myles Quentin Foster, and Maxwell James Foster; two sisters, Peggy Bailey and Judy Lyttle (James); two brothers-in-law, Melvin Jones (Dorothy) and Arthur Foster; sister-in-law, Judy Meeks Edler; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

On Friday, November 8, 2024 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. At 12pm on Saturday, November 9, 2024, a Celebration of Life will be held at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Edler-Foster family in your thoughts and prayers.  Interment will follow the service at Mount Ray Cemetery, Mount Ray Drive, Surry, VA 23883