Mrs. Loretta Williams Foster

 Yanceyville, NC - Mrs. Loretta Williams Foster was born on September 22, 1944, in Thomasville, Georgia, to the late Charlie Williams, Sr. and Corine Johnson Williams. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Aubrey Nelson Foster, Sr., and her brothers, Johnny Williams and Charlie Williams, Jr.

Loretta began her education in the Thomas County School System. As a teenager, she relocated to Mt. Kisco, New York, to live with her aunt, Elizabeth Williams Rogers, who encouraged her love of cooking and sewing. During this time, Loretta became a member of Bethel Baptist Church and attended Fox Lane High School. After graduating, she continued her studies at Westchester Community College, focusing on Nutrition.

It was in New York that Loretta met the love of her life, Aubrey Nelson Foster, Sr. The two were united in marriage on March 30, 1968, in Mt. Kisco, and later moved to Newark, New Jersey, to build a life together. Aubrey was already the proud father of two daughters, Yvonne and Felicia, and together he and Loretta expanded their family with four more children: Erica Dawn, Audra Nicole, and twins Audrey Lynnell and Aubrey Nelson, Jr.

Throughout their marriage, Loretta and Aubrey were inseparable partners, both in life and business. Together, they ventured into several entrepreneurial pursuits—from distributing Sabrett hot dogs, to launching the restaurant Erica and Eric, and later establishing the beloved Pan Pan restaurants.

In 1976, the Foster family made Yanceyville, North Carolina, their home. For the next ten years, Loretta and Aubrey worked the land together as farmers. Loretta would go on to make history as the first African American magistrate in Caswell County, a position she held with integrity and pride for 28 years before retiring.

A faithful servant, Loretta became an active and devoted member of Mineral Springs Baptist Church upon moving to Yanceyville, where she remained committed until her passing.

Loretta wore many titles—wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was blessed with a large and loving family and deeply cherished every moment spent with them. Her bond with her sister and best friend, Margaret “Rita” Perry, was especially close; the two shared daily conversations filled with laughter and cherished memories. Loretta was a steady presence and strong support for everyone in her life, but her unwavering devotion to Aubrey was truly special. She lovingly cared for him in their home until his passing in 2023.

In retirement, Loretta found great joy in gardening, her favorite pastime. On fair-weather days, she could be found outside from sunrise to sunset, tending lovingly to her yard. Inside her home, she nurtured more than 100 houseplants, carefully pruning and repotting them to ensure their health and beauty.

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Loretta Williams Foster transitioned from this life, joining her beloved husband, Aubrey, her parents, brothers, and other cherished loved ones who preceded her in death.

She will be remembered for her strength, kindness, selflessness, and unwavering love for her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.

Loretta leaves to cherish her memory: three daughters — Erica Dawn Foster (Jewel) of St. Louis, Missouri; Audra Foster Downey and Audrey Lynnell Foster (Eugene), both of Durham, North Carolina; one son — Aubrey Nelson Foster, Jr. (Katina) of North East, Maryland; two stepdaughters — Felicia Ann Washington of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Yvonne Warthen (Eddie) of Pensacola, Florida; one sister — Margaret Perry of Eden, North Carolina; two sisters in-law — Barbara Redding and Norma Foster, both of Yanceyville, North Carolina. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Family visitation for Mrs. Loretta Williams Foster will be on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the John & Juanita S. Fulton Memorial Chapel of Fulton-Walton Funeral Home.

Funeral service for Mrs. Loretta Williams Foster will be conducted at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Mineral Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Pelham, NC.

You are invited to attend services for  virtually by clicking the following link:

Loretta Foster Homegoing Celebration

Should Live Streaming not be available due to certain conditions resulting from rural location with little to no Broadband connection, no WIFI signal and or little to no cellular coverage, we will record the services of your loved one in its entirety and post a link where you will be able to partake in the services within 48 hours.

Interment will follow at Blackwell Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Yanceyville, North Carolina.

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