Nellie Janet Thomas Foster, age 81, died Saturday, May 27, 2023 at her residence in Mocksville, North Carolina. Born April 3, 1942 in Forsyth County, North Carolina, she was the youngest child of twelve born to the late Samuel and Nettie Myers Thomas. It is most difficult to bereave the death of our beloved Nellie, but we give thanks to our Lord and Savior for allowing us the opportunity to share her life.

She was educated in the Forsyth County public schools. Nellie was loving, generous and nurturing. She spent her lifetime raising children, putting others first and contributing to the community by being a true leader. For several years until her health declined, Nellie worked at Celanse Industries, Cleveland, North Carolina.

She was a member of Mainville African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Mocksville. There she was a faithful member, serving as the Youth Choir Director, President of the Missionary Department, Leader of the Budds of Promise and Class Leader.

In her leisure, Nellie enjoyed family gatherings, spending time with her countless friends and just simply caring for her family. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditionally and always wanted the best for them.

Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Foster, Jr.; a son, Terry S. Foster; son-in-law, Cedric Turner; a grandson, Ernest Howell; and all her siblings.

Her life will forever be cherished and remembered by her children: Johnny (Cecilia) P. Foster of Anchorage, Alaska, Robin (Shannon) Foster Pulliam of Mocksville, North Carolina, Cynthia Foster Turner of the home, Michael ( Marion) E. Foster of Stafford, Virginia; three stepchildren: Lucinda and Dinah Etchison of Mocksville, North Carolina and Crystal Robinson, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; nineteen grandchildren, two who were reared in her home, Johnny (Erin "Jo") Evans and James "Rico" (Riki) Evans; thirty great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Beatrice Smoot; a brother-in-law, Gary (Teresa) Foster; a special friend, Ethel Wilson; and a host of other relatives and friends.


Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, June 2, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, 310 N. Main Street, Mocksville, North Carolina with a 12:00 PM visitation prior to service. Interment will follow at Mainville AME Zion Church Cemetery. There is no public viewing.