Phyllis Kay Foster

Phyllis Kay (Friend) Foster, 82, of Odenton, MD passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Baltimore-Washington Medical Center, Glen Burnie, MD. Born on July 30, 1942 in Mill Run, PA, she was the third of four daughters of James A. and Cordella (Shipley) Friend. Phyllis was the beloved wife of Arthur Z. Foster, whom she married on December 19, 1964. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.  They were dedicated to their son, Michael, whom they welcomed in 1966. Phyllis was a 1960 graduate of the Connellsville, PA Joint Senior High School and completed many education classes in support of her career. She had a special place in her heart for children and had a long career as a teacher’s assistant at various elementary schools in West Anne Arundel County. She was a very active long-time member of Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church in Odenton. She served in many capacities at Nichols-Bethel, including teaching Sunday School and Bible School, a member of Methodist Women, singing with the 8 O’clock Singers, and serving as a substitute church secretary for many years. Phyllis loved her dogs with all her heart and leaves her dog, Nikita. She also had a passion for collecting dolls. She enjoyed walking, particularly on the West Baltimore-Annapolis Trail, always with a bag to pick up trash. Phyllis was a very stylish dresser, always perfectly coordinated. Phyllis and Art enjoyed traveling and went on many trips over the years. Phyllis was a very loving and positive person. When asked how she was doing, she would always say “I’m doing great.” Phyllis’s love for life will live on in the hearts of her family, her many friends, and all those who were fortunate to know her, including the many children she taught at school and church. In addition to her husband and son, Phyllis is survived by her sister Juanita Wenman of Ft. Mill, SC, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Her sisters, Zona Harshman and Priscilla Darby of Houston, TX, preceded her in death.

A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 11 am with a prior gathering of friends at 10:00 am at Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church, 1239 Murray Road, Odenton, MD 21113. Everyone is invited to a luncheon after the service at the church. The family requests any memorial contributions be made to Nichols-Bethel UMC.