Thelma S. Foster

Thelma Foster Obituary Thelma S. Foster was born January 8, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio. Thelma was the youngest child of Houston and Emma Shaw’s eight children. Thelma had been diagnosed with dementia in 2015 and she finally succumbed to the disease resulting in her death. Thelma attended Central High School (Cleveland, Ohio) and graduated in 1945. During her high school years, Thelma was a member of the student council and she graduated from the “College Preparatory Program” with honors. In 1946 Thelma embarked on her college career at Wilberforce University. While attending Wilberforce University, the university split into Central State where she obtained a degree in education. During her college years, Thelma became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority her junior year and was a member of an Honorary Literary group. Thelma graduated from Central State in 1950. In 1945, Thelma met her future husband (Charles Foster) on a blind date. After their initial meeting Charles entered the United States Navy. Upon Charles’s return from military service, the courtship between Thelma and Charles began in earnest and they were married on December 30 1950 and their union lasted for sixty-seven years. In 1954 Thelma and Charles’s only child, Tyrone was born. After college, Thelma was able to secure a teaching job with the Cleveland Public School System and her teaching career spanned over thirty years. Thelma was a very dedicated teacher, always looking out for the educational welfare of her students. She worked at Daniel E Morgan and Corlette Elementary Schools during her teaching career. Thelma enjoyed traveling with her husband. They have been on many cruises and have traveled to Brazil, Mexico, Haiti, Alaska, Panama, Hawaii, Canada, and throughout the United States and they also enjoyed attending live musical concerts. Thelma had a strong passion for playing Bridge and entertaining her friends at bridge parties at her home. Thelma was a very social person and enjoyed being around family and friends. Thelma was an opinionated and kind person who at times was not afraid to speak her mind; however, her family was the top priority in her life. She would extend herself to help others which included students, family members and members of her community, without seeking personal acknowledgement. She was preceded in death by her parents, Houston and Emma, her siblings, Houston Jr., Herman, Oscola, Walter, Juanita, and Alphria. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Tyrone (Karen), grandson, Kevin (Iyuana), great grandchildren, Mattox, Mason, and Mya, and host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Thelma will be greatly missed by family and friends for her love, friendship, and teachings. We are celebrating her life by remembering how special she was and the impact she had on so many people. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thelma S. Foster, please visit our floral store. Read More

Thelma S. Foster

January 8, 1928 - December 11, 2023