Alfred William Foster

CAMBRIDGE - Alfred William Foster, born at Christ Rock to the late William Kiah and Naomi Elizabeth Opher Foster on September 28, 1922, departed this life on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at the Chesapeake Woods Genesis Health Care center in Cambridge, Md. He had been a resident since April 2011. Alfred was educated in the public schools of Dorchester County and graduated from F.D. St. Clair High School in 1940, where he was a member of the 1938 F.D. St. Clair State basketball team. Mr. Foster had spent most of his life at Christ Rock and was the oldest member of the community at his passing. Mr. Foster served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946 and during his tour of duty received numerous medals, awards and ribbons. He was honorably discharged in 1946. After his discharged, he spent two years in Chester, Pa. working before returning to Cambridge where he met and married the former Roberta Lorraine Travers on July 3, 1948. From this union three children were born: Alfreda, Deborah and Robert. Mr. Foster joined Christ Rock United Methodist Church and worked faithfully. He was a member of the church choir, United Methodist Men, Administrative Council, Finance Committee and Ushers. He held the positions of president and chairperson in these organizations. He also served as the church's Lay Leader and Lay Speaker. He was a faithful and dedicated member of The Men at Work for Christ of Dorchester. Following the merger of the charge churches, he became a member of the New Revived United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Friends of Stanley Institute and served as treasurer while being an active participant. Mr. Foster was active with the 4-H club accompanying the community children on various outings. He also participated in the PTA's and served on various school committees. Mr. Foster held various jobs throughout his life including the Phillips' Packing Co. Factory C, Caldswell Casting, Walter and Robert Kirwin's Canning and Construction, and the former Cambridge Wirecloth retiring after 15 years of service at age 65. His parents, uncles, and aunts preceded him in death. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Roberta of 64 years; four children, Michael (Anna) Foster, Delmar, Md., Alfreda Foster, Cambridge, Md., Deborah (James) Wooden, Trappe, Md., and Robert (Meta) Foster, Cambridge, Md.; grandchildren, Michele Foster, Centreville, Md., Michael (Ebony) Foster, Jr., Seattle, Wash., and Tychera, Kristen, Shavonte' and Kalyn Foster, all of Cambridge, Md.; great-grandchildren, Montana, Roman, Solomon and Cerah Foster, all of Seattle, Wash.; other cousins, relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at Waugh Chapel UM Church in Cambridge, Md. on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at 12 p.m. with a viewing 2 hours prior to service. Interment will take place at Christ Rock Cemetery. Arrangements handled by the Boardley Funeral Home in Cambridge, Md.