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Edith Foreman Obituary
Jan. 24, 1911 - May 15, 2007
Edith Frances "Frances" Foreman, 96, Sarasota, formerly of Arcadia, died May 15, 2007.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. May 26, with services to follow, at Sarasota Baptist Church, 7091 Proctor Road, Burial will follow at Sarasota Memorial Park.
Survivors include sons Rodney M., Alling C. and Michael L.; daughters Carol L Deery and Alice J Pratt; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Professor Frances Foreman, Ph.D., lived for 96 years. This vibrant, life-loving woman brought joy to those whose lives she touched. Frances lived a life of deep abiding faith in Christ and acted on that faith in loving service. Frances thrived on scholarly endeavors that culminated in being awarded her Ph.D. in English and literature from the University of South Florida in 1981 at the remarkable age of 70. She graduated from Sarasota High School at the age of 16. Frances attained degrees at Florida State University, the University of Florida and the University of South Florida.
Her 20-year career as a professor of English and literature at Manatee Community College ended in retirement at the age of 72. During her tenure at MCC, Professor Foreman taught with an infectious enthusiasm, awakening many a student to the love of writing and literature. While at MCC she directed the Baptist Student Fellowship.
After her retirement, she moved with her husband, Dr. Alexander Foreman, to Peace River in Arcadia. There, they enjoyed the beauty and peace of the natural world that they loved so much. After over 67 years of devoted marriage, her beloved husband died in 2001.
Frances' years of service included 50 years of teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, writing and directing church plays, and leading the Women's Missionary Union at First Baptist Church, Sarasota Baptist Church, Arcadia First Baptist and First Baptist in Tryon, N.C., where she spent her summers.
Her active volunteer service in the community included leadership positions in the Southern Baptist Convention, Women's Chiropractic Auxiliary, Parent Teacher Association, Baptist Student fellowship and Baptist Women's Missionary Union. She often took Bibles and supplies to migrant workers in the fields.
Frances was honored in the "Who's Who of American University Women" and honorary Phi Kappa Gamma for teachers.
Frances was the mother of five children and provided a loving haven for children of the extended family when needed. She raised her children with the sense of the importance of God's love, faith, service and education. Childhood memories surrounded her lively readings of stories and humorous poetry that she wrote about them. Her beautiful voice graced their ears with hymns and lullabies. She often brought smiles and laughter with her quick wit and humor.
Born in Bradenton, she lived the majority of her life in Sarasota, with some childhood time in Arizona. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Memorial donations in memory of Frances may be made to Sarasota Baptist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edith Foreman
Andrea Paige (Stewart Grover) Steele
June 6, 2007
I shall remember Aunt Frances mostly for four things: She kept us connected; she bragged; she never gave up hoping we'd become the letter writer she was; she shared her faith. After our mother (Alice Miriam) died, she worked hard to stay in touch with us over often long distances, offering love, humor, advice when asked for, and occasionally money--though she kept that a secret. Her letters, too often unanswered by we ungrateful ones, were a source of information, fun and pride in the family. Her bragging about her family was legendary--no one connected with Frances Foreman should ever feel anything but self-confident. We noticed that the bragging grew exponentially as Frances journeyed through her later years--we just smiled and loved her for loving us. We know that the source of her joy was her beloved husband and family, and her abiding faith in a loving Saviour. Thank you, dear Aunt Frances for the gift of yourself -- see you in the morning!
Mary Shields
May 26, 2007
To the family of Frances: I only knew her for one semester of English at MCC. WHAT AN IMPACT she had on my life. I was @35 yrs. old and facing a most difficult time of my life. Hers spoke volumes. That semester she had her 70th birthday,got her Doctorate degree, retired (from teaching), was building a new house on the river with her husband, got her ears pierced with her Granddaughter Laurie (who was a friend of my daughter, Cristy Shields). In class she always talked of her "bunny's" brought us brownies and a copy of her recipe-that she finally had perfected. And most of all I remember how she quietly sat and read from her Bible at her desk if we were testing or doing busy work. What a testimony her life was. She was such an INSPIRATION and influnced my life more than anyone I have ever met. ALL IN ONE SEMESTER. In Him, Mary Shields
Steve Spraker
May 26, 2007
Dear Foreman family,
Glory be our our Faithful Father for the great work He has done through Francis. Though I not know her, the testimonials of her reputation as a person devoted to the lordship of Jesus Christ will always be with us. She has been faithful, a mentor to others and has now entered into the glory of our Father. The angels have rejoiced and she has heard those glorious words, "Well done good and faithful servant, enter...."
Let us all keep on!
Mimi Stewart
May 24, 2007
Aunt Frances was such a special person to our family. Being the oldest sister of my mother, Alice Miriam, Aunt Frances stayed in touch with me, my siblings, and our children in numerous ways after our own mother's death. Aunt Frances wrote to me about my political career and to my daughter, Hannah, about her poetry, and through all of her communications, she showed her humor, love of life, and love for us. Aunt Frances came to our family reunion in Albuquerque in 1989. We were so honored by her presence and loved her stories of her and Jane, and Edward, and my mother's early life in the wild west. Hannah and I visited her and Uncle Alec at Peace River in 1993, crashing their rickety canoe into the river with Uncle Alec's pulley system, rowing in the river looking for alligators. Aunt Frances enabled us to feel connected to our Florida family and we will always be greatful for her generosity, love, and delight with life. We wish we could be there with you to honor her.
Susan Hill
May 24, 2007
Mike,
The Turners let us know about your Mom. We just had Lynn's Mom's "Praise service" yesterday, as she went home May 19, at age 85. We extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family. What a wonderful Mom and Godly legacy!
Blessings,
Lynn & Susan Hill
Cecilia & Jimmy Turner
May 23, 2007
Mike & Lynne,
We were saddened at the news of your Mom's passing even though we know that she's met the Master face-to-face. Glory!
We are praying for you and the entire Family. We pray for God's comfort, peace and richest blessings. (Rev. 22:1-5)
Barbara Wendling
May 23, 2007
Although many miles separated our families (her brother Edward in Michigan), I have very fond memories of my Aunt Frances. From our visits to Florida, her Christmas letters and her wonderful tribute to my Father at his memorial service - she was a woman of many talents and accomplishments. What a long and successful life she was able to lead. Love to her family, Barbara (Beck) Wendling
Cindy Burke
May 23, 2007
Looking back at the many occasions I’ve had in past years to talk with Mrs. Foreman, both in person and by phone, I am reminded of her strong character. She was always very welcoming and loved to chat. Almost all conversations included talk about her family ... it was obvious that she loved them dearly and was very proud of all their accomplishments. She was a remarkable woman ... a woman of deep faith. My husband, Bob, and I extend our sincere sympathies to all the Foreman family.
Michael Foreman
May 22, 2007
The funeral notice failed to include the name of the funeral home in charge of arrangements which is:
Griffith-Cline
720 Manatee Ave West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-748-1011
Albert Findlay
May 22, 2007
May Michael, Rodney, Alling, Carol, Alice, grandchildren and great grandchildren all sense this week and the years to come the love of God as Christ's death paid for the sins of everyone in the world. Mrs. Foreman knew this in a life of worship to her Savior.
Mom Graduating with her PhD In Engish and Literature, Age 70
Alice Jane (A.J.) Foreman Pratt
May 21, 2007
My mother was an inspiration to me. Even though she was unable to talk during her last hours her loving nature poured forth from her heart through her eyes and expressions. She always loved life to the fullest and never saw age as an obsticale. I remember walking with her and having trouble keeping up with her because she would be vigourously heading towards some commitment that she would be eager to dive into whether it be her classroom or her church. When I was growing up, if the church doors were open we were there. Her home was always open to student gatherings, church youth groups, extended family and to those who needed a helping hand. Mom is not far from my heart,but I will miss her presence very much.
Erin Pratt
May 21, 2007
Frances Foreman, my Grandmother, who I called Mema, was a strong, vibrant and dedicated woman. What I remember most though are memories from my childhood- the taste of her fruit salad, her laughter, the comforting smell of her bedroom- a mix of her lotion, Pepa's cologne and the musty humid smell old Florida houses always take on, her animated stories of the people behind the ancient photographs of our ancestors she collected and displayed like a family tree on her bedroom wall, how she lovingly prepared food for her husband (Pepa) and ordered him to sit down and eat up. And earlier still, taking a nap with her during a Florida summer thunderstorm- feeling so safe beside her with the lightening outside.
She also taught me a reverance and wonder for nature and repect for education.
I don't know if I've ever met someone so in love with life. I am glad she was my grandmother and for all the qualities and values she has passed down to me through my mother, Alice Jane.
Gwin, AJ and Erin with Mema at Christmas
May 21, 2007
Three generations! Mema, Daughter Alice Jane and Grandaughter Erin
May 21, 2007
Mike Cogswell
May 21, 2007
I wanted to pass along my thoughts and prayers to the entire Foreman family. What a very special woman Mrs. Foreman must have been. I'm sure that you will all miss her, but I'm also sure that you will have many very happy memories of such a unique and loving woman.
Ron & Sharon Monteau
May 20, 2007
Dear Mike and Family,
We were very sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Leslie Knowles
May 20, 2007
I have most missed the past few years her frequent letters back and forth. The true art of letter writing was not lost on her.
I, like Laurie, witnessed her devotion to her husband, her love for her grandchildren, and her steadfast prayers to her Lord for her family and her friends.
The first day I met Grandma, she was in a canoe while Grandpa was wearing waders pulling her along. The driveway was flooded out due to the rains in Arcadia. They were coming to get us to take us and our luggage to the house. They were in their 80s at the time.
What an interesting family I'm getting myself into, I thought . . .
Gini Cervone-Hyman
May 20, 2007
I shall always remember Frances Foreman as one of my most inspiring Humanities professors. May their memories be a comfort to her family!
Sandy Jantzen
May 20, 2007
My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you.She was a great teacher and I injoyed having her teach me.She left many memories.Sandy Jantzen
Heidi Gaspard
May 20, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Laurie Foreman
May 20, 2007
Grandma Foreman lived a full life and desired to make a difference in others' lives. She loved to smile, and I always remember that being her first expression when seeing or meeting others. Perhaps her most recognizable trait was her love for her husband and family. Though I miss her, I celebrate the fact that she joins Granddad in Heaven.
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