Oct. 30, 1934 – Dec.20, 2019

 

NATCHEZ— Services for Mary Johnetta Bland Foster, affectionately known as “Johnetta,” 85, of Natchez, who died Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Natchez, will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church with the Rev. Anthony Colenburg officiating.

Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of West Gate Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.

Mrs. Foster was born Oct. 30, 1934, in Natchez, the daughter of Samuel Bland Sr.  and Justine Bland Rice.

Johnetta was a graduate of Sadie V. Thompson High School and attended Natchez Junior College.  She was a teacher’s assistant and a member of St. Paul African Methodist Church where she served faithfully as a class leader, choir member, Sunday school teacher, youth choir director and was a member of the Missionary Society.

Johnetta enjoyed crocheting, sewing, arts and crafts, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Shelia Blakes; stepfather, Willie Rice Sr.; one grandson, Bryant Foster; son-in-law, Earl Blakes; three brothers; and five sisters.

Survivors include one son, Willie S. Foster III and wife Patricia; two daughters, Terriwanda Faye King and husband, Cottrell, and Jerrilyn Agetha Banks and husband, Charles; one brother, Willie Rice Jr. and wife, Polly; one sister, Vivian Wallace; 10 grandchildren, LaKisha Foster, Roderick Blakes, Earl Blakes Jr., Jairus Foster, Omari Foster, Candice King, Brittany Jackson, Altora Robinson, Whitney Jackson and Morgan Banks; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; her loving ex-husband and caregiver, Willie Scott Foster Jr.; and a number of other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be sent to westgatefh.com.