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Light a Candle
Jeanne H (Smith) Foster, 94, of Pittsburgh, PA passed peacefully on March 14, 2013 at UPMC McKeesport after a very short illness. She was born to the late William and Olive Smith on December 2, 1918 in Kittanning, PA. She was the youngest of four children and follows her siblings – William A. "Bud" Smith Jr., Beatrice Turnbull and Mildred Smith, into Eternity.
Jeanne is survived by son's Gerald A. Carter of Marietta, GA and Gary W. Carter of Penn Hills, PA. Also surviving are Grandchildren – Gerald McLaughlin, Alaina (Phillip) Brooks, Patrick Carter, Gary W. (Glennis) Carter II, Gary Carter, Sr., Nicole Carter and Tyrone Carter; Great –Grandchildren – Michael Jones, Darien Carter, Gary Carter Jr., Phillip Andrew Brooks, Sydney Brooks, Jordan Carter, Arrhe Carter, Cymai Carter and Brintaya Carter.
As a young woman, Jeanne attended the University of Pittsburgh (PITT) in 1936, was a member of Delta Sigma Theta and received her BA in 1940. While at PITT she met "Bill" Carter, a world class sprinter, and they married in 1941. They lived and worked in Pittsburgh, where Gerald was born in 1942 and later moved to Tuskegee, AL were Bill became a pilot in 1944. The Army moved the family to Columbus, OH, then San Antonio, TX, where Gary was born in 1950. That year Captain Carter was discharged and they returned to Pittsburgh.
As a mother there was nothing that Jeanne wouldn't do for her sons. She was active in the PTA, scouting, activity clubs and other activities associated with her sons' education and development. As a single mother in 1959 and 1960 she ensured their lives were normal. Mothering came so natural to Jeanne that everywhere she went she collected children, beyond Gerald and Gary, all calling her "Mom".
In 1960, Jeanne married Chauncy Foster. Their union lasted 17 years, divorcing in 1977. By the mid-60's she began a career as the Office Manager for Roth Rug Cleaning Co. where she remained until her retirement in 1988. Throughout the rest of her life Jeanne remained a strong independent woman, loving parent, disciple of Christ and a passionately devoted daughter; caring for her ailing mother until her passing on October 1st, 1974.
Jeanne never neglected her spiritual growth and thoroughly enjoyed being in the company of God. A devoted Christian, her Bible was well-worn and The Daily Word was always by her side. She found her spiritual home with the Community of Reconciliation where she was also the "Church Mom" to many, bringing raisins each Sunday to give to the children attending wor-ship.
Jeanne had a listening heart and always offered a shoulder to anyone who was 'a little down'. She spent countless hours preparing Fellowship Meals and working on the hospitality committee. Jeanne loved family and would always share the latest news and activities with anyone who wanted to hear. She remained active even after her health began to fail, continuing to reachout with cards and phone calls until the end of her life.
Jeanne's greatest strength was her refusal to accept anything less than the best, a trait instilled in her growing up. Throughout her lifetime her goals were to make the best of any situation. She would think long and hard before accepting second best. Her greatest weakness was her tender heart that she learned to guard with a rough exterior and sharp tongue.
She touched many lives and always left an impression. She will be truly missed by friends and loved ones. Know that the world is better for Jeanne Foster having lived.
