Patricia Scott Foster

Patricia Scott Foster was a beacon of warmth and generosity, her life a testament to the resilient and unwavering spirit of a woman who faced life's challenges with grace and optimism. On November 15, 2025, Pat went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 82, after a brave battle with colon cancer. Even in her passing, she maintained the same dignity and strength that marked her remarkable life.
Born on September 18, 1943, in Durham to Roy Franklin Scott and Etoile King Scott, and loving sister to Carl Scott, all of whom predeceased her, Pat learned and showed the importance of warm, expressive and unabashed love for family. She is survived by her adored children: son Scott Foster and his wife Nicole of Raleigh, and their children Hope, Adam, and Lia; and her daughter Anne Marie Stroud and her husband Jimmy of Newport and their children SaraBeth and Charli. Pat's life was further enriched by her numerous nieces and nephews and their families, including Clint Scott, Susan Pate, Carol Bellanger, David Pate, Dana Beery, Jennifer Grant, Holly Puckette, and Tom Milana. She was predeceased by her beloved niece, Julie Milana, and her former husband, Jimmie Foster.
Pat graduated from East Carolina, after which she dedicated her life to her children and to education. As an English teacher, librarian, and media coordinator, Pat's career thrived in various North Carolina communities such as Kinston, Wilson, Tarboro, Morehead City, and Broad Creek. Her passion for education was recognized in 1991 when she received the Carteret County Schools Educational Excellence Award. Pat balanced her professional career with personal strength and grace, raising Scott and Anne Marie as a single mother from their middle school years onward. Her strength often made the difficult task seem effortless. Her children hold the firm belief that they were blessed with the best mother in the world.
Pat's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when she founded and led Surfside Realty, building it alongside her teaching career and continuing post-retirement in 2001. A devoted Christian, Pat found solace and camaraderie in her faith, actively participating in the First Baptist Morehead City Sunday School class (Faith and Fellowship) and continuing her involvement virtually even after moving to Raleigh.
Pat was a member of a Morehead City bridge group, the Broad Creek supper group, and she cherished beach outings with friends. Pat enjoyed sitting with the elderly in her retirement, forming close bonds and sharing laughter with those homebound. Relocating to the Verena Retirement Community in Raleigh in 2019, she immersed herself in the vibrant social life there, engaging in bingo, ladies' pizza lunch, Sunday afternoon church, and countless other activities.
Pat adored every moment spent with her grandchildren, supporting them in school events, dance, gymnastics, cooking, horseback riding, cheerleading, basketball, and football, always eager to listen and share stories that deepened her bond with each grandchild. Pat also held a special place in her heart for her Boston Terriers, remembering fondly those who had passed-Scamp, Regal, Princess, Brindi-and leaving behind her precious Sophia with Scott's family.
Pat's legacy is one of unconditional love, kindness, and generosity – known for keeping homemade pies in her freezer to quickly provide to anyone in need. As we remember Pat, let us celebrate the immeasurable love that she shared with every person and every life she touched. Her absence will be profoundly felt, but the radiant life she lived will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to have known her.
The family would like to extend sincere appreciation and gratitude to the dedicated and compassionate team members at the Verena Retirement Community, WakeMed North Hospital, Heartland Hospice, Right at Home, and Always Best Care.
Our cherished "Lady of Grace", as one friend of over 50 years describes Pat, did not want a service focused on her, and made her children promise. Her wishes will be honored though we do intend to hold a gathering (with bingo) with her deeply loved Verena Retirement Community friends later in December and a gathering in Morehead City with her cherished friends and family on January 4th. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts to N.C. Children's Home Society, First Baptist Church of Morehead City or Faith Baptist Church of Youngsville.