Dorothy Jean Foster

It is with our deepest and heartfelt sympathy that we inform you of the passing from this life of Mrs. Dorothy Jean Ross Foster, 82, a former resident of 611 Stone Avenue, Roanoke, Alabama.  Mrs. Foster transitioned from this life on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at the Traylor Retirement Community, 1235 Yancy Street, Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama.

Dorothy Jean Ross was a sweet and beautiful spirit, born in Phillipi, Barbour County, West Virginia on March 26, 1938 to the parentage of the late John and Mary (Norris) Ross.  She had four (4) other siblings, all of whom preceded her in death:  there was a brother, John Woodrow Ross of Loraine, OH; and sisters: Ella Mae Ross Morgan, Margaret Louise Ross and Georgia Ross all of Canton OH.  

She resided in Ohio for some years before moving south.  While in Ohio, she worked at the Wright-Patterson Airforce Base located near Dayton, in the maintenance department.   In later years, Dorothy came to Randolph County more than 30 years ago and made a home for herself in this community.  In Randolph County, she offered her services as a house-keeper.  She married Mr. Donnie Ray Foster of Roanoke.

A Christian woman, Dorothy attended New Beginning Outreach Ministries in Roanoke.   Dorothy loved reading novels and books and watching daytime television stories such as "The Young and the Restless,"  "The Bold and the Beautiful," and other soap operas.  But, her passion was caring for children, and she frequently offered her services as a child care provider.   Her infectious love for being around children was always evident.  She took care of scores of children in the neighborhood, so young mothers could work.  She did this work until declining health would no longer permit her to do it.   As her years forced her to turn away from the robust -- motherly woman she had once been, she relocated to Traylor Retirement Community in Roanoke, where others could care for her.  It was there she transitioned on Thursday, July 30.

Celebrating her life, mourning her departure, and cherishing many fond memories of Dorothy are:  her husband, Donnie Ray Foster of Roanoke, AL;  her children: Pastor Tom Staples (Debra) of Lineville, AL, Betty Joe Daniel of Rockford, AL; Kathy Staples of Roanoke, AL; and Jimmy Foster; twelve (12) grandchildren, including four (4) that she raised: Crystal Staples and Nigel Staples of Roanoke, AL and Monesha Howard of Wedowee, AL; twenty-four (24) great-grandchildren; her brother-and-sisters-in-law: Barbara Greathouse (Reverend John Greathouse) and Ernestine Foster both of Roanoke, AL, and Mary Ester of Chicago, IL; Nieces and Nephews: Vanessa Nash, Barbara Lynn Haynes and Alvin Morgan all of Canton, OH; her best friends: Era Mae Hughley and Betty Jean Foster; a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.

For the convenience and benefit of Mrs. Foster's family, we are asking all those who wish to post a condolence or message of sympathy, PLEASE do so directly on our website at the link we are providing below.  http://www.clarkmemorial.biz/obituary/Dorothy-Foster/guest-book

Our sincere prayers for comfort and peace are sent forth during this unsettling time of loss; and we express deepest gratitude to our communities for sharing with this family during their time of loss.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy Jean Foster, please visit our floral store.