Runell Brooks FOSTER

1906 - 2016

FOSTER, Runell Brooks Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt to a host of nephews and nieces, and devoted dear friend, Runell "Mrs. Nell" Brooks Foster, age 110, Matriarch of Loganville, Georgia (Rosebud Road and Highway 78) and the third known oldest person in the State of Georgia, went home to her Lord and Savior on Friday, October 21, 2016. Born March 27, 1906, "Mrs. Nell" was the youngest of 12 children born to George B. Brooks and Emma Palmer Brooks. She was a 1925 graduate of Grayson High School and in 1928 married her high school sweetheart, Clyde E. Foster. A devoted follower of Christ, Runell was an active member of Grayson First Baptist Church as long as her health permitted. She served as pianist, Sunday school teacher, on WMU committees and in preparation of the Lord's Supper. She was involved in her daughters' school activities and in community and civic endeavors. Her many talents included cooking, known especially for her delicious caramel cakes, sewing clothing for herself and daughters, crocheting, home decorating and gardening (vegetables and flowers). Mrs. Nell enjoyed eating vegetables from her garden, but also loved to order Papa John's pizza, eat cheeseburgers and enjoyed a good bowl of ice cream. She delighted in sharing the results of her creations. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Clyde E. Foster in 1978; daughter, Sara F. Miles in 2003 and her husband, Johnny L. Miles in 1986, daughter Patricia F. Williams and her husband, Colonel Royce C. Williams, U.S. Army (Ret.) both in 2013, son-in-law, Verner H. Thompson in 1986; granddaughters, Catherine Williams in 1955, Marie W. Davis in 2011, and Emily M. Kelley in 2002; great granddaughter, Lauren Turner in 1986; 11 siblings, and her beloved parents. "Mrs. Nell" is survived by her daughter, Mary F. Thompson; granddaughters, Amelia T. Eubanks, Laura T. Allen and husband, Wayne Allen, Jr., and Julia M. Frye; great-granddaughters, Rebekah Eubanks, Caroline Allen and Claire Allen; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Embrace Hospice and for her caregivers, especially the long-time loving care by Geraldine McCaa. Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, October 22, 2016, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039. The service honoring and celebrating the amazing life of Mrs. Runell Brooks Foster will be held Sunday, October 23, 2016, at 3:00 P.M. at Grayson First Baptist Church with Mrs. Foster placed in state at the church at 2:00 P.M. Rev. Dr. Tim Brogan, Rev. Dr. Buddy Parrish and Ralph Burton will officiate. Interment will follow at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 2299 Rosebud Rd., Grayson, GA 30017. For those desiring, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grayson First Baptist Church, 2142 Loganville Hwy., Grayson, GA 30017, or Open Arms Foundation, Inc. (Embrace Hospice), 1831 West Evans St., Suite 315, Florence, SC 29501-3303, or Grayson High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, C/O Susan Gerard, 449 Hope Hollow Rd., Loganville, GA 30052. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, "A Family Company," Snellville Chapel 770-979-3200 has been entrusted with the arrangements.