Alyce F. Foster

Alyce F. Foster was born April 24, 1921 in Meadville, to the union of Lillian and Alphonso Frazier.

Alyce was the eldest of seven. She quietly departed this life on August 1, 2016.

At an early age she accepted Christ in her grandfather’s church. Although her mother died during her senior year of high school, she was undeterred from pursuing her education. She set an example for her siblings, nieces and nephews to pursue higher learning and to never say can’t. She completed her undergraduate studies at West Virginia State College in 1942. She married her high school sweetheart William R. Foster and their union lasted more than forty years till his death in 1987. Northern New Jersey was home before retiring to Riviera Beach, FL. They enjoyed not only the NJ/NY area but the entire east coast.

Early on she worked as an office administrator. In 1963 she got her Master of Arts in Elementary Education and additional certifications as a resource librarian from Jersey City State College. She was a dedicated teacher and educator for over 25 years for the Jersey City Public Schools. She took advantage of the summers to plan vacations to Martha’s Vineyard, the Islands, Alaska, Europe and Asia. Summers also meant nieces and nephews would visit and do the ‘Big Apple’ as only a teacher would allow. For Aunt Alyce that meant on the go learning and ‘no sleeping in’! There were UN tours, Broadway Shows, Statue of Liberty Tours, Pennsylvania Amish Country Day Trips, Secaucus Back to School Shopping, Summer Day Camp, Chinatown and more. As a young child you received a subscription to Highlight Magazine and as an adult you would receive the Daily Word for your spiritual growth and placed on the Silent Unity prayer list if you were experiencing a challenge.

“The NYC skyline she always loved to see from New Jersey!” While in NJ she became a proud member of the College Women of New Jersey, North Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and an active member of Monumental Baptist Church. Upon retirement to South Florida she became an active member of the West Palm Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated never missing a national or regional convention until her health started to fail. She was active in Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, supported the Young Friends of the Kravis Center, volunteered in the library and senior day care centers. Being fit was important to her and she was an avid walker and learned to practice tai chi. Alyce was vibrant, active in her community and a mother to many. She was a poll worker for nearly every election until 2010, reminding folks to vote and be abreast of the issues that need to be addressed in the community. She loved a good, thoughtful conversation. Nothing brought her more joy than planning a family gathering for the holidays or someone’s birthday party…her signature cranberry mold, magic bars or stuffed mushrooms had to be served.

In 1995, she was a part of the NGO delegation from the U.S. that went to Beijing for the fourth annual UN Conference on Women. She was thrilled to attend with Dr. Betty Shabazz and hear then First Lady Hillary Clinton speak. In 1996, she and her sorors built homes in Ghana as part of a Habitat project.

Alyce leaves to celebrate her life and legacy, her brothers Robert (Emma) of Virginia Beach, VA and William (Annie) of Cincinnati, OH; sister Betty Smith of Cincinnati, OH; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nephews and great-great nieces, cousins, sorors and friends.

To My Family & Friends
When I am gone, just let me go quickly and peacefully. You must not tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many beautiful years. The love I gave to you came from the heart. Now you share that love and we will always be together and not grow apart. So bless the memories within your heart. Go there, I will always be with you in your heart.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, August 13, 2016 from 11-12 at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, where a Going Home Service will be held at 12 noon.

Alyce will be laid to rest in Greendale Cemetery, West Mead Twp.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com