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BORN
1951
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Audrey Foster Obituary
ZANESVILLE: Audrey A. Foster, 65, of Zanesville, died at 12:55 P.M. on Monday, July 25, 2016, at The Arthur G. James - OSU Medical Center in Columbus. She was born May 22, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois, daughter of Joan Snyder Starnes of St. Charles, Illinois and the late Anthony Brieno. She worked at WCVZ Radio Station, the Alfred Carr Center, and United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties where she was Resource Developmental Director. Audrey volunteered at the food bank, Christ Table, Salvation Army, and the annual Carr Center cake auction. She was an active member at the New Hope Full Gospel Church where she was very much involved in all activities, but especially in singing and directing children's programs.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, James R. Foster, whom she married January 16, 1977; two daughters, Joni Marie Foster of the home and Jennifer Foster of Zanesville; two sons, Jonathan (Kimberly) Foster and Joel Foster of Zanesville; two grandchildren, Elena Foster and Elliot Foster; two sisters, Betty (Ed) Sehr of St. Charles, Illinois and Kathleen (Enrica) Soto of Plainfield, Illinois; brother, Ralph Starnes of New York; nieces and nephews; and several cousins.
In addition to her father, she is preceded in death by her stepfather, Ralph Starnes, who raised Audrey; and one brother Richard Starnes.
Friends and family may call from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 31, 2016 at the New Hope Full Gospel Church, 3560 East Pike, Zanesville, with funeral services being held at 4:00 P.M. with Rev. Joseph A. DiVincenzo officiating. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery in Sonora.
To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.
Dignified and professional services entrusted to BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME.
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Memories and Condolences
for Audrey Foster
Sponsored by Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home and Crematory.
Whitney Jasnoch
July 22, 2025
Jim, still keeping you in prayer and I pray this is a blessing. We love you, Jim, and sing with you to the LORD till we reunite with our loved ones as well!
Whitney and Sherry
The Gathering Choir
Abigail entered the church foyer rather briskly...given the late time. It was already ten minutes after six and she could hear the other choir members humming and singing in preparation.
Now this wasn't her home church but given the kind request to fill in for their regular soloist, she decided to help. It was a friendly call asking for assistance on short notice. As such, she just wished she'd gotten there sooner.
Yet there were things that had needed to be done before she'd left. Little tasks, small errands, giving elsewhere...and so on. And that was the way it always was, she smiled to herself. Honestly, being involved and helping others, this was always rewarding in the end. Far better than any self service.
"Self service", she quietly laughed to herself. "Now there's a funny phrase!" Then turning a corner towards the sanctuary, she nearly skipped along with a lighter heart, ready to meet the choir.
So, as she was entering the
chapel section of the church, she was amazed at how large it appeared...from the outside. Within, it was smallish room without the floor space needed for even a congregation size of 40, much less 50.
"But GOD doesn´t measure the
size of the heart, only the content", she reminded herself. Some of the best people she´d ever had the pleasure speaking with were from small corners of the globe and even smaller churches.
A soft greeting interrupted her
casual appraisal and she turned to welcome the faces of 10 or so members. All were cordial with their introductions and she noted there wasn´t a young one among the group.
In fact, none were younger than herself. This tiny discovery then birthed another smile internally. "Well, it´s been awhile since I was the youngest person in the room!"
With a quick turn on her heel, so she pivoted towards the one who was at the end of the pew...perhaps in charge. "Roger?", she asked with an uptick in her voice. "I´m looking for Roger, he called me to fill in?" She added this inquisitively...almost as if she had to explain why she was there.
The others rippled with greatly restrained mirth and pointed towards the eldest, "Roger", they chorused as one. "Oh, Roger!" The man in question finally finished looking down, (or shall we say, he woke up) and slowly recognized Abigal´s presence. Then, with eyes widening in recognition, he managed to stutter her name...even though having just been awakened.
Abigail wasted no time in drawing nearer. Roger would have taken at least another few minutes to get to her anyway. "Hi, Roger! I´m Abigail and thank you for inviting me to fill in."
Roger, now much more alert, simply nodded in agreement and with a weathered hand, motioned for her to take the stage. The time was slipping away from them so he needed to get started.
As he did this, the other choir members gathered around her ascending the few steps and then turned to face the conductor´s podium. Instinctively looking down at the music held before her, so she saw a very familiar tune. In truth, it was a sincere favorite.
As Roger gestured accordingly, they began. As the piano strings were touched, renewed energy filled the room. On cue, the choir began to sing and soon melodic waves washed over their souls.
And it was rapturous indeed. What sweet, sweet sounds filled her soul! And, with each passing verse and every resounding chord, the affection grew deeper and the connection became stronger. Soon enough, she lost track of both Time and her surroundings to just bask in the intimate fellowship, with wonderful voices of such an unexpected cast.
Then, just as before, another soft greeting interrupted her ever so gently. Abigail realized that the music had just ended and the final note, extended beautifully by each heart, had faded into the rafters above.
Basking in the moment and turning towards the gentle tug on her sleeve, so she noticed that everyone had surrounded her. Roger, as well, stood within the circle whilst beaming with open arms in her direction.
Rather than feeling oddly or misplaced, Abigail simply wept at the depths of the surrounding peace. Untold minutes passed just standing there and it was truly all she could do to stand. Not wishing a second to be lost nor for the time to end...so she pressed her eyes closed now, just pressing in.
Roger´s hands now embraced her own and she opened her eyes once more. There she saw a beautiful pair of deep blue crystals returning her gaze.
"You sing quite well," he eventually said with a slight grin...breaking the silence. Then, releasing his right hand to gradually motion the rest of the choir, she watched as they shuffled slowly down the steps again, leaving Abigail and Roger at center stage.
"I am so thankful for this...all of you!", she said. I can´t imagine singing better on Sunday with you all!" The group just smiled as they had since she got there and looked up lovingly towards her.
More seconds passed quietly and perhaps minutes had joined them as well. She just couldn´t tell for sure. But she was aware of a glow that began touching the ceiling. Almost unnoticeable at first, but now it was apparent. Seeing it was sundown, so she attributed the rays of light to its source.
Finally, Roger stepped slowly forward till his forehead rested upon hers. Was it for a minute or several seconds, she couldn´t tell. But Abigail was peaceful for her brain was providing answers even though her eyes remained full of questions.
Then stepping back, Roger lifted his hands to hold her face. ""No need for more practice, dearest Abigail. You are ready". Her tears, once held back, then filled his hands. "This was a beautiful moment. What sweet sweet, fellowship!", she sang inside her thoughts.
These thoughts then raced ahead of her and as Roger wiped the tears from her face, she blurted out. "How can I fill in? We just practiced one song...and it was amazing! So wondrous! But how can I and...why me?"
The gathering choir stopped their movements and focused upon her. "Dear child," you weren´t going to be filling in for anyone. We were simply here to accompany you...home."
Roger now stood below her with the others and waved as her tears began overwhelming her eyelids once more. The glow around the ceiling had now grown into a soft and radiant light...and she began expressing her deepest gratitude for their attendance.
Finally, she came to the eldest and whispered, "Thank you, Roger. Thank you so very much!" She kept repeating his name until another angel said, "Well, "Roger", you might as well tell her your GOD given name."
Smiling at this instruction so he drew himself to full height as a powerful warrior in white robes...towering within the now brilliantly illuminated sanctuary. As his wings reverberated with the rest of the angelic chorus, his voice softly thundered, "My name, dear child of GOD, is actually Michael."
Mesmerized by his transformation and sensing her long awaited entrance into Heaven, she boldly walked up to him and took his hand within hers. "Thank you, Michael", she exclaimed. "What a pleasure to meet you at last!
And speaking of GOD given names, mine is...Audrey."
As HIServant also awaiting the Gathering choir with you,
Whitney
Whitney Jasnoch
July 22, 2020
Jim, keeping you in prayer and In our daily thoughts as well. I pray this is a blessing. We love you, Jim.
Whitney and Sherry
The Gathering Choir
Abigail entered the church foyer rather briskly...given the late time. It was already ten minutes after six and she could hear the other choir members humming and singing in preparation.
Now this wasn't her home church but given the kind request to fill in for their regular soloist, she decided to help. It was a friendly call asking for assistance on short notice. As such, she just wished she'd gotten there sooner.
Yet there were things that had needed to be done before she'd left. Little tasks, small errands, giving elsewhere...and so on. And that was the way it always was, she smiled to herself. Honestly, being involved and helping others, this was always rewarding in the end. Far better than any self service.
"Self service", she quietly laughed to herself. "Now there's a funny phrase!" Then turning a corner towards the sanctuary, she nearly skipped along with a lighter heart, ready to meet the choir.
So, as she was entering the
chapel section of the church, she was amazed at how large it appearedfrom the outside. Within, it was smallish room without the floor space needed for even a congregation size of 40, much less 50.
“But GOD doesn’t measure the
size of the heart, only the content”, she reminded herself. Some of the best people she’d ever had the pleasure speaking with were from small corners of the globe and even smaller churches.
A soft greeting interrupted her
casual appraisal and she turned to welcome the faces of 10 or so members. All were cordial with their introductions and she noted there wasn’t a young one among the group.
In fact, none were younger than herself. This tiny discovery then birthed another smile internally. “Well, it’s been awhile since I was the youngest person in the room!”
With a quick turn on her heel, so she pivoted towards the one who was at the end of the pew...perhaps in charge. “Roger?”, she asked with an uptick in her voice. “I’m looking for Roger, he called me to fill in?” She added this inquisitivelyalmost as if she had to explain why she was there.
The others rippled with greatly restrained mirth and pointed towards the eldest, “Roger”, they chorused as one. “Oh, Roger!” The man in question finally finished looking down, (or shall we say, he woke up) and slowly recognized Abigal’s presence. Then, with eyes widening in recognition, he managed to stutter her nameeven though having just been awakened.
Abigail wasted no time in drawing nearer. Roger would have taken at least another few minutes to get to her anyway. “Hi, Roger! I’m Abigail and thank you for inviting me to fill in.”
Roger, now much more alert, simply nodded in agreement and with a weathered hand, motioned for her to take the stage. The time was slipping away from them so he needed to get started.
As he did this, the other choir members gathered around her ascending the few steps and then turned to face the conductor’s podium. Instinctively looking down at the music held before her, so she saw a very familiar tune. In truth, it was a sincere favorite.
As Roger gestured accordingly, they began. As the piano strings were touched, renewed energy filled the room. On cue, the choir began to sing and soon melodic waves washed over their souls.
And it was rapturous indeed. What sweet, sweet sounds filled her soul! And, with each passing verse and every resounding chord, the affection grew deeper and the connection became stronger. Soon enough, she lost track of both Time and her surroundings to just bask in the intimate fellowship, with wonderful voices of such an unexpected cast.
Then, just as before, another soft greeting interrupted her ever so gently. Abigail realized that the music had just ended and the final note, extended beautifully by each heart, had faded into the rafters above.
Basking in the moment and turning towards the gentle tug on her sleeve, so she noticed that everyone had surrounded her. Roger, as well, stood within the circle whilst beaming with open arms in her direction.
Rather than feeling oddly or misplaced, Abigail simply wept at the depths of the surrounding peace. Untold minutes passed just standing there and it was truly all she could do to stand. Not wishing a second to be lost nor for the time to endso she pressed her eyes closed now, just pressing in.
Roger’s hands now embraced her own and she opened her eyes once more. There she saw a beautiful pair of deep blue crystals returning her gaze.
“You sing quite well,” he eventually said with a slight grin...breaking the silence. Then, releasing his right hand to gradually motion the rest of the choir, she watched as they shuffled slowly down the steps again, leaving Abigail and Roger at center stage.
“I am so thankful for thisall of you!”, she said. I can’t imagine singing better on Sunday with you all!” The group just smiled as they had since she got there and looked up lovingly towards her.
More seconds passed quietly and perhaps minutes had joined them as well. She just couldn’t tell for sure. But she was aware of a glow that began touching the ceiling. Almost unnoticeable at first, but now it was apparent. Seeing it was sundown, so she attributed the rays of light to its source.
Finally, Roger stepped slowly forward till his forehead rested upon hers. Was it for a minute or several seconds, she couldn’t tell. But Abigail was peaceful for her brain was providing answers even though her eyes remained full of questions.
Then stepping back, Roger lifted his hands to hold her face. ““No need for more practice, dearest Abigail. You are ready”. Her tears, once held back, then filled his hands. “This was a beautiful moment. What sweet sweet, fellowship!”, she sang inside her thoughts.
These thoughts then raced ahead of her and as Roger wiped the tears from her face, she blurted out. “How can I fill in? We just practiced one songand it was amazing! So wondrous! But how can I andwhy me?”
The gathering choir stopped their movements and focused upon her. “Dear child,” you weren’t going to be filling in for anyone. We were simply here to accompany you...home.”
Roger now stood below her with the others and waved as her tears began overwhelming her eyelids once more. The glow around the ceiling had now grown into a soft and radiant lightand she began expressing her deepest gratitude for their attendance.
Finally, she came to the eldest and whispered, “Thank you, Roger. Thank you so very much!” She kept repeating his name until another angel said, “Well, “Roger”, you might as well tell her your GOD given name.”
Smiling at this instruction so he drew himself to full height as a powerful warrior in white robestowering within the now brilliantly illuminated sanctuary. As his wings reverberated with the rest of the angelic chorus, his voice softly thundered, “My name, dear child of GOD, is actually Michael.”
Mesmerized by his transformation and sensing her long awaited entrance into Heaven, she boldly walked up to him and took his hand within hers. “Thank you, Michael", she exclaimed. "What a pleasure to meet you at last!
And speaking of GOD given names, mine isAudrey.”
As HIServant also awaiting the Gathering choir with you,
Whitney
Betsy Jane Wilhite Mount
July 31, 2016
Dear Sweet Audrey, At this moment they are preparing to lay you to rest on this Earth. Your end here is only the beginning to no pain and suffering in the Godly kingdom of Heaven. I can hear your beautiful voice singing. As I heard it sing at my earthly Father's services years ago. Thank you for loving and encouraging my earthly Mother in her singing career. Thank you for always loving our family. Thank you for supporting Farris through out his radio career. As I hugged you at Dollie's Memorial my heart broke knowing I beat breast cancer and your battle with it was so hard. But in the end sweet lady you have your Savior near. I will be praying for Jim and the family and your many friends every where. With love and appreciation Jane Wilhite Mount.
Whitney, Sherry and family Jasnoch
July 31, 2016
Our prayers and support continue for you that HIS mighty hands would continue protecting and uplifting you with all peace and comfort.
Burl and Brenda Lemon
July 31, 2016
How can you pen with few words the expanse of a fruitful life. Audrey impacted lives beyond their awareness of many who were recipients of her gift. She never sought attention, she was too busy getting it done. BUT in all that she did, she was powered by a cause beyond herself, the Spirit that purposed her life choices.
Thank you Jim and family for allowing us, my family and our community for being enriched by her devotion to humanity and HIM.
May HE comfort you until the great reunion.
July 30, 2016
Dear Foster family,
I was saddened to hear of Audrey's passing. Our lives touched many,many years ago when your family lived in Roseville. Our first introduction was when I had Joni in my classroom. I will treasure Audrey's kindness and just a pleasant person to talk with. I remember a few years ago, seeing her at the Go Tell It On the Mountain production.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sincerely, Sharon Shipley
randy clark
July 29, 2016
Jim, i am so sorry for your loss!!! May GOD surround your family with HIS arms, until that day when you will see her again!!!! You have my deepest sympathies!!!!!
Chris Wisecarver
July 28, 2016
So sorry for your loss, she was a wonderful person, and very courageous. .. May God keep you at this time. God bless.
jeff and linda fraunfelter
July 28, 2016
jim and family, so sorry for your big loss. just know Linda and i are praying for all your family
John Creek
July 28, 2016
It was a pleasure knowing and working with Audrey in her position as Resource Development Director at United Way. She was always upbeat and professional.
Teanna Hrinko
July 28, 2016
Dear Foster Family, I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Audrey. I met her when I worked for Huntington. She was a joy to work with thru United Way and always was so helpful to all. Audrey had a smile for me every time I saw her and never hesitated to help me. I know there are no words that will help at this difficult time but know she was a blessing to many. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Betsy Jane Wilhite
July 28, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of your Wife/Mother/ and Friend. May God give you comfort in Jesus name Amen.
Marsha Marsh
July 28, 2016
Dear Foster Family, I am so sorry to hear of Audrey's passing , but remember that we will see her again. I remember meeting your Family at New Life Temple where I loved to hear Audrey and Jim sing. She was always smiling and laughing and always was very nice to me. My family attended New Life for a couple of years, but Audrey was always friendly when I would see her other places. Audrey is a beautiful Christian. lady. I will miss her smile and love.
Donna Coen
July 27, 2016
What a huge loss for the Foster family and the Zanesville Christian community. She inspired so many while here on earth. But, she's probably leading the choir in heaven right now!
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