Effie Belcher Foster

A Life Well Lived

Mother Effie Belcher Foster 100 years old. She was the beloved matriarch of her family and a cherished member of her community. She passed away peacefully at Trellis Supportive Care on February 7, 2026. Effie was born in the Cedar Spring Community of Greenwood, South Carolina on March 21, 1925 and she was the daughter of the late Charlie Oliver & Maggie Cowans Belcher. At an early age she moved to Winston Salem, N.C. and she worked at RJ Reynolds and later retired from National Linen.

Mother Foster was bold in her faith and truly demonstrated her love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She joined the Macedonia Pentecostal Holiness Church at an early age under the pastoral leadership of Bishop W.M. Johnson and Macedonia Worship Center under the pastoral leadership of Apostle S.D. Johnson where she served in many capacities including Senior Choir, Secretary of the Nurses' Board. She also organized the Junior Ushers Board and Pastors' Aide Ministry and she worked in these ministries for 50+ years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodis Foster Sr,; her parents; two brothers, Thomas Belcher and Charlie O. Belcher, Jr.; three sisters, Georgia B. Plowden, Mary Lizzie Belcher, and Maggie B. Cantlow; and her great-grandson, Silas Jarod Ross, Sr.  She was the last member of her immediate family.

Mother Foster is survived by her five children who were the pride and joy of her life, Brenda Foster Lampkins, Theodis L. (Phyllis) Foster, Jr., Theresa Artanzia Foster, Marvin C. (Gayle) Foster, and Vernon Leonard "Nard" Foster all of Winston Salem, North Carolina; three grandchildren raised in the home, Silas J. (Sherris) Foster of Greenwood, SC, Tamara D. Foster and Tawanda R. Foster of Winston Salem, NC; a special niece and nephew, Lynda (Michael) of Greenwood, SC and Robert (Cassandra) Belcher of Columbia, SC; in addition to her children, her legacy of faith, prayer, integrity, and the love of family and laughter continues through her 76 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Effie will also be lovingly remembered by her numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends all of whom will hold her memory close in their hearts. Effie's life was a testament to God's Grace and the power of love and family.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Macedonia Worship Center. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Thursday at the Church.