Bernice Lucille Foster

Bernice Lucille Foster, age 90, of Sunrise, FL (previously of Manassas, Virginia) passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Weston, FL, surrounded by her Florida family members. Bernice “Bernie” was born on August 23, 1933, in Shuqualak, Mississippi the daughter of the late William David and Mary Pendergrass. She grew up in rural Mississippi and graduated Valedictorian of her class. Upon graduation she accepted a job at the Pentagon and moved to Washington, DC. There she met and married her beloved late husband Benjamin Patton Foster. They were married at Metropolitan Baptist church in Washington DC in 1954 and celebrated 64 years of marriage before his passing in 2018. Bernice and her husband moved to Missouri in 1958. There they had two daughters, Mary Susan, and the late Laura Jane. Bernice left the workforce to raise her children. They moved to Manassas, VA in 1966. During this time Bernice was very involved in community work with her church and teaching Sunday School. Later she returned to the workforce as an Administrative Assistant at Vint Hill Farms Station Army Base where she continued her life of ministry “mothering” the young soldiers, often inviting them over for the holidays and special occasions. She worked there until her retirement. One of Bernice’s favorite pastimes was cooking. She was notorious for her cooking skills and was known to wink when asked for a recipe, not giving away the secret ingredients that made her dishes better than the rest. She also loved baking, making candy (she loved all sweets), family time, travel and service to her church and the community. Her love for travel and adventure continued into retirement. She and Benjamin traveled the world together, with friends and family. She was a devoted member of Emmanuel Baptist Church during her 50+ years in Manassas, VA. In 2019 Bernice moved to Florida where her eldest daughter resides. Bernice, with her southern charm and hospitality, made many friends in Florida and endeared herself to those who assisted with her care in her final few years of life. She was loved by many and will be missed by all. Family members include daughter Mary Susan Lanteigne and husband James of Plantation, Florida, late daughter Laura Joyner and husband Wiliam “Nick” of Oceanside, California; five grandchildren, David Joyner, Summer (Joyner) Besser, Torrey Joyner, Cheyenne Joyner, Lindsey Whitman, and one great grandchild, Calista Post. She is survived by brothers Aubrey Pendergrass or Vancleave, MS, and Jerry Pendergrass of Ocean Springs, MS. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 8006 Centreville Road, Manassas, Virginia with Pastor Tim Ma officiating. A reception will follow at the church.

Bernice Lucille Foster

August 23, 1933 - July 4, 2024