Eva Foster

Obituary of Eva Foster Eva W. Foster, days short of 101 well lived years, was called home by the Father on August 23, 2013 in Sumterville, FL. She was born on September 5, 1912 in Mercer County, Kentucky, the daughter of Thomas Benton and Almedia Carter Watts and sister of Ina B. Watts Bradley. She attended White Cloud School, Harrodsburg High, Campbellsville College, and the University of Kentucky, receiving her degrees from Eastern Kentucky State Teachers' College, now Eastern Kentucky University. By vocation and with great passion, she was a public school educator. In her 40 year career prior to her 1973 retirement from the Mercer County, Kentucky, School System, she served as principal of Shakertown Elementary School for 27 years with the remaining years spent in various school assignments including her last in the science department of Mercer County High School. She received numerous professional awards during her career including membership on a state select commission for curriculum revision. She ended her career doing what she loved most, teaching science to junior high aged students. Upon nomination by her former students, she was named a member of the Order of Kentucky Colonels, the state's highest honor, presented at one of the Shakertown School Reunions, an event she never missed. She loved seeing "her kids" and maintained contact with many former students for decades. Upon retirement in 1973, Mrs. Foster moved to Florida where she continued to aid schools and students as a volunteer while pursuing new interests, as well. She served as church organist for the Bushnell First United Methodist Church for nearly 20 years and was actively involved in United Methodist Women and continued to serve the church as its Membership Secretary until the time of her death. And, she became endearingly know as "Ecie" to those who knew her best in her Florida years. She is survived by one daughter, Hannah M. Foster of Bushnell; niece, Margie Eva (Richard) Wynn of Portsmouth, OH; and nephews, Loyd Bradley and Arthur (Scarlett) Bradley of Danville, KY. She also leaves behind loved ones, Evelyn & Gary Christy, Jim & Charlene Allen, and Joyce McLeod of Bushnell, and Julie & Gerald Lister of Harrodsburg, KY. Their families brought joy and laughter to her days. She was competently and compassionately cared for by her much loved physician of over 40 years, Dr. Robert T. Meade, Leesburg, FL. With his help, she lived a long life, but more importantly, many healthy years lived fully and richly. Visitation A Visitation will be held at the Purcell Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 from 5 " 7 PM. Services Services will be at the Bushnell First United Methodist Church on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Dennis Redstone and Rev. Jeffery Thomas officiating. Active pallbearers are: Bo Sharp, Tommy Bryan, Felix Adams, Jim Henderson, Terry Gideons, Myron Gulley, Preston Morgan, and Rick Shirley. Honorary bearers are: John Dixon, Larry Ross, Billy Weldon, Tom Peterson, and Bert Park. Interment Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Donations The family asks that those who wish to honor her with a memorial gift consider donations to her favorite causes in lieu of flowers: the Bushnell First United Methodist Church, the Sumter Schools Enhancement Foundation, and Cornerstone Hospice Lane Purcell House.

Eva Foster

September 5, 1912 - August 23, 2013