Obituary of Donna Lavonne Foster

Donna Lavonne Foster was born on September 23rd, 1954 to Frank and Naomi Phipps, in Halifax County, North Carolina. She transitioned from labor to reward on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. Donna accepted Christ at an early age and was a dedicated, humble servant of the Savior. She was an active member of Concord Baptist Church and served on several committees and ministries over the years. As a member of the Junior Matrons, Kitchen Crew, Event Logistics Committee, and Women's Ministry, she lent a helping hand without complaint. Whatever you needed her to do, she would do. She could often be seen organizing to take care of the fine details, saying prayers, or smiling while writing meeting notes. She was a calming presence and a huge support to so many ministries and members. Her formal education started in the Baltimore School System where she ended as a Woodlawn Senior High School Graduate. She continued on to gain her Bachelors and Masters from the University of Scranton and the prestigious Loyola University of Maryland. She was united in wedded bliss to Joseph Foster Jr. in 1981 . Their union was blessed with wonderful children whom she raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord. She made sure they knew the importance of having a relationship with Christ and not just following religion. She also instilled the importance of a good education, and how partnering a great work ethic with your gift will open the doors to your destiny. With her huge spirit of helping, it seemed the field of social work was her calling. Over the years, she poured her soul into her work while she aided many families and made many lifelong friends. Early mornings and late nights were familiar to her. Due to the time spent at work and her never ending caring heart, her coworkers soon became family. She worked with the Prerelease Program in Jessup and retired doing Minority Business Contracts for the Department of Human Resources on Saratoga Street which she left being known as a "Subject Matter Expert". She was an avid bowler and still holds the holiday bowling title. She played racquetball, tennis, and told stories of enjoying running in college. She loved having time with her adopted and blood family and fun and fellowship with friends. She would drop everything for her granddaughter. She liked 70's music, clean comedy, a movie, a good meal, and a great escape plan. She would avoid pictures, but she had the most memorable smile and peaceful way. She lived with such grace and quiet dignity, telling you at the toughest of times to " take the high road" and "end on a high note." In addition to her father Frank Phipps, she was preceded in death by 2 Sisters in Love Cartsine Hogan, and Helen Hemphill; 3 Brothers in Love Michael S., Michael K., and Rosevelt Foster, and the Love of her life Joseph Foster Jr. Those remaining to treasure her precious memories and share in her legacy of love are her gorgeous mother Naomi Phipps; 4 brilliant and beautiful children Shayna Foster, Jonathan Foster (Yaneri-loving wife), Shani Foster, and Josef Foster; 3 dear siblings Edwin Hogan, Deidre Kelly, and Frank Jay Phipps; her favorite person in the world granddaughter Aaliyah Foster, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends that love like family. A public viewing for Mrs. Donna Foster will be held on Friday, January 28th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD. A homegoing service for Mrs. Foster will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Concord Baptist Church, 5204 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. with services to follow. The interment will take place at King Memorial Park, 8710 Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD immediately following services.