Sally D. Foster

1938 - 2019

Sally Davidson Foster, 80, of Spartanburg died Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at her home. She was the devoted wife of the late Philip Francis Foster.
Sally was born November 30, 1938, in Easley and was the daughter of the late Eugene and Sara Robinson Davidson. She graduated from Brenau Academy in 1955 as valedictorian and from Duke University in 1958 where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Sally is a member of the Brenau University Alumni Hall of Fame.
Sally put Spartanburg on the map with Sally Foster Gift Wrap, a company that began as a PTA project and became a national leader in gift wrap fundraising for non-profit organizations. Philip and Sally brought their considerable skills and enthusiasm to the company. The Fosters sold the company in 1989.
It is Sally's enthusiastic involvement in church, civic and community activities on the local, state, regional and national levels where she made such a lasting difference in people's lives.
A long-time elder at First Presbyterian Church, Sally co-chaired the $1.5 million building renovation campaign and led in all aspects of church life.
Sally was a trustee of the Spartanburg County Foundation and served as chair during 2007. While chair of the Foundation, Sally was instrumental in the establishment of Women Giving for Spartanburg, a special initiative of the Foundation. Sally chaired Women Giving in 2011. To date Women Giving has raised almost $3 million, of which $2.5 million has been spent locally.
She also was chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mary Black Foundation, the Charles Lea Center Foundation, Lake Summit Foundation and St. Luke's Free Medical Clinic.
Interested in health issues she especially enjoyed serving on the advisory board of the Duke University Eye Center. She served on many such boards. Another interest was the Junior League of Spartanburg which she served as president. The League named Sally Sustainer of the Year in 2007.
From 1983 to 1999 Sally was chief financial officer of the ETV Endowment of South Carolina. She was a member of the founding board of directors of the South Carolina Aquarium and was a member of the South Carolina Museum Foundation.
Sally was honored many times for her corporate and volunteer achievements, but it was friendship she truly treasured. Sally was blessed with many devoted friends, of all ages and backgrounds, because she was a blessing to them. Sally's presence was a present wrapped with a bow of her signature red hair.
Sally is survived by her daughter Hunter Foster Mahon of Spartanburg and granddaughters Sally Gray Mahon and Molly Mahon, and her son Eugene Davidson Foster (Kim) of Columbus, GA, and granddaughter Fane Foster and grandson Forbes Foster (Courtney) and step-grandchildren, Grady, Charlie and Sarah Flowers. William L. Pope Jr. is a special friend to the family.
Sally was pre-deceased by her son Flip.
The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to longtime family friend Dr. Julian Williams and to Dr. David Rodak, and to Sally's team of caregivers, including Leslie Edwards, Ida Edwards, Victoria Teamer, Sharon Hardy and her team members Debra. Faye and Betty.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, 393 East Main Street. Officiating will be Dr. Thomas E. Evans and the Rev. Joanne R. Hull.
The family will receive friends after the service in the church social hall.
Memorials may be made to the Philip Francis "Flip" Foster, Jr. Scholarship Fund, Wofford College, 429 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.JMDunbar.com.
Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory