Otis Foster, Jr.

Whitsett, NC - It is with profound sorrow we announce the death of Mr. Otis Foster, Jr. 79, of 957 Wyckshire Ct, Whitsett, NC who passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at his residence.

Otis Foster, Jr. son of the late Otis Foster, Sr. and Bettie Russell Foster was called home on April 13, 2023, after a long bout of illness. Otis accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age uniting with Blackwell Baptist Church in Yanceyville. He received his high school diploma from Caswell County High School in 1962 and initiated his fathers’ taught skill as a barber by attending Harris Barber College in Raleigh, NC. After school, he returned home for a brief period and worked with friends, Morris and Earl Richmond in their barber shop in Yanceyville, NC. In 1964 he was employed by Dan River Mills where he assisted with loom operations and sanitation.

In 1965, Otis or “Squeaky” and “Bud Lee” as he was referred to by people who knew him best, relocated to Patterson, NJ, passed the board, and received license to continue barbering there for the next six years. He worked in Mitchell’s Barber Shop, one of the busiest spots on the East side of the city. Customers would wait for hours to sit in his chair knowing that he would take his time and give them the precise hair cut they wanted. During his tenure in New Jersey, Otis was also employed by E.I. Dupont De Nemours & Company as a skilled explosive machinist.

While at Dupont, and attending St. Augustine Presbyterian Church, Otis met and married the love of his life, the former Iris Lee Steverson (June 29, 1968). In 1971 a beautiful baby boy was born to the couple and in 1974 the couple decided to return home to raise their son and united with the Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Pelham, NC.

His work history upon his return to NC included being employed by Burlington Industries as a Weaver/Weaver Instructor and Miller Brewing Company as a Filler Operator and right back to his comfort zone, barbering and telling jokes at Earl’s Barber Shop.

Relocating several times Otis always kept his priorities straight God and Family first. The couple united with local churches within their various communities and Otis worked within his capacity serving on the hospitality and maintenance committee. His social time was spent donating free haircuts to family, friends and the elderly while entertaining them. His love for nature was instilled in his son, they enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, and manicuring their landscapes.

Otis was preceded in death by three sister, Earline Foster Mitchell, Evelyn Foster and Marie Foster McLaughlin and one brother James Foster.

Mr. Otis Foster, Jr. leaves to cherish his memories his wife of the home Iris Foster, one son Otis Foster III (Amelia) of Burlington, NC; three grandchildren Jala, Denzel, and Farrah of the home; two sisters Lillie Foster Yancey of Pelham, NC and Mollie Foster Turner of Reidsville, NC; three brothers Donald Foster (Evelyn) of Pelham, NC, Larry Foster (Carolyn), and Leslie Foster of Pelham, NC; five brother-in-laws: Charles Steverson, Robert Steverson (Jean), Oliver Steverson (Betty) of Warrenton, NC, Steward Steverson (Elizabeth) of Stoneville, NC, and Thomas Steverson (Ella) of Bunn, NC; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A viewing for Mr. Otis Foster, Jr. will be Friday, April 14, 2023; from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the John and Juanita S. Fulton Memorial Chapel.

A Chapel Service for Mr. Otis foster, Jr. will be Saturday, April 15, 2023; at 9:00 a.m. at the Alamance Memorial Park.

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