Mr. Stephen R. "Roger" Foster, 85, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, in Chesapeake, Virginia. Born on May 10, 1940, in Belton, South Carolina, Roger lived a full and vibrant life marked by love of family, a passion for music, the foundation of which was his Christian faith, and sports, as well as an enduring sense of humor and gratitude.
Known to most as Roger, or "Papa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his work life consisted of a successful career in sales and management in the fields of insurance and real estate as well as ownership and management of an eponymous flooring company.
Roger greatly loved his family. He was deeply proud of his children: daughters Nancy Caroline and Judith Anne, and son John Philip (children's mother Shelby Carey Foster), along with daughter-in-law Jean Graziano Foster. His joy extended to his grandchildren—Olivia (daughter of Judith), John and Florence (children of John Philip and Jean)—and his great-grandchildren Camdyn, Corbyn, and Chosyn (children of Olivia). He has one surviving nephew, Derrall B. Foster, Jr., as well as friend Rachel Green and other friends and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Crate and Bessie "Granny" Foster; his brother Derrall B. Foster, Sr.; sister Diane Foster Whitten; nieces Kay Foster Morris and Bonnie Whitten; and nephews Jeffery Foster and Tom Whitten.
Roger's life was greatly enriched by music—a lifelong passion. Gifted on keyboard instruments including piano and organ, he could read music fluently but also possessed the rare ability to play by ear with creativity and flair. His original stylings brought new life to familiar melodies. Over the years, he joyfully expressed his Christian faith through church music ministries as a keyboardist and vocalist, both solo and in ensembles. These performances were not only meaningful to him but also deeply appreciated by those who heard them.
His musical legacy lives on through his family. His great-grandson Camdyn recently serenaded him on the clarinet—a moment that brought Roger great happiness—and Olivia fondly remembers singing alongside her Papa while he played. Their duets remain cherished memories. All of Roger's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren share his love for music and the joy it brings.
Roger was also passionate about sports. A gifted athlete in high school, he played football—while also performing at halftime with the school band on trombone—basketball, track, and baseball where he excelled as both pitcher and hitter. He continued his athletic journey with a season of college football at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina.
A lifelong fan of the Atlanta Braves, Roger treasured attending games with his daughter Caroline. One especially memorable outing found them seated right behind home plate—an experience she will always hold dear.
In addition to faith, music, and sports, Roger had a deep appreciation for good food and also cooking. His specialties included perfectly cooked steaks, savory roast beef, and especially his famous cornbread. Olivia proudly carries on his culinary preferences—including their shared love for holiday ham over turkey.
Roger's outlook on life was one of gratitude and joy. When asked how he was doing, he would often respond with heartfelt appreciation for simply enjoying another day of living. His sense of humor was ever-present—he always had a variety of jokes ready to share—and it brought smiles to all who knew him.
The beautiful smiles and laughter of Camdyn, Corbyn, and Chosyn he counted as overflowing blessings to his soul.
All of his family extends our deepest gratitude, love, and appreciation for Phil's guidance and dedicated service, especially during Roger's last two home transitions, and for Judith's exceptional gifts of time spent with him and the loving care she provided for him, even though words can't adequately express their meaning and generosity.
He will be remembered for the loving pride he felt for his family, the music that filled their homes and hearts, and the laughter that followed him wherever he went, even for the "Dad jokes."
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire joy through every note played or story told in his honor.
Donations in Roger's honor can be made to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation at support.diabetesresearch.org.
Known to most as Roger, or "Papa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his work life consisted of a successful career in sales and management in the fields of insurance and real estate as well as ownership and management of an eponymous flooring company.
Roger greatly loved his family. He was deeply proud of his children: daughters Nancy Caroline and Judith Anne, and son John Philip (children's mother Shelby Carey Foster), along with daughter-in-law Jean Graziano Foster. His joy extended to his grandchildren—Olivia (daughter of Judith), John and Florence (children of John Philip and Jean)—and his great-grandchildren Camdyn, Corbyn, and Chosyn (children of Olivia). He has one surviving nephew, Derrall B. Foster, Jr., as well as friend Rachel Green and other friends and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Crate and Bessie "Granny" Foster; his brother Derrall B. Foster, Sr.; sister Diane Foster Whitten; nieces Kay Foster Morris and Bonnie Whitten; and nephews Jeffery Foster and Tom Whitten.
Roger's life was greatly enriched by music—a lifelong passion. Gifted on keyboard instruments including piano and organ, he could read music fluently but also possessed the rare ability to play by ear with creativity and flair. His original stylings brought new life to familiar melodies. Over the years, he joyfully expressed his Christian faith through church music ministries as a keyboardist and vocalist, both solo and in ensembles. These performances were not only meaningful to him but also deeply appreciated by those who heard them.
His musical legacy lives on through his family. His great-grandson Camdyn recently serenaded him on the clarinet—a moment that brought Roger great happiness—and Olivia fondly remembers singing alongside her Papa while he played. Their duets remain cherished memories. All of Roger's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren share his love for music and the joy it brings.
Roger was also passionate about sports. A gifted athlete in high school, he played football—while also performing at halftime with the school band on trombone—basketball, track, and baseball where he excelled as both pitcher and hitter. He continued his athletic journey with a season of college football at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina.
A lifelong fan of the Atlanta Braves, Roger treasured attending games with his daughter Caroline. One especially memorable outing found them seated right behind home plate—an experience she will always hold dear.
In addition to faith, music, and sports, Roger had a deep appreciation for good food and also cooking. His specialties included perfectly cooked steaks, savory roast beef, and especially his famous cornbread. Olivia proudly carries on his culinary preferences—including their shared love for holiday ham over turkey.
Roger's outlook on life was one of gratitude and joy. When asked how he was doing, he would often respond with heartfelt appreciation for simply enjoying another day of living. His sense of humor was ever-present—he always had a variety of jokes ready to share—and it brought smiles to all who knew him.
The beautiful smiles and laughter of Camdyn, Corbyn, and Chosyn he counted as overflowing blessings to his soul.
All of his family extends our deepest gratitude, love, and appreciation for Phil's guidance and dedicated service, especially during Roger's last two home transitions, and for Judith's exceptional gifts of time spent with him and the loving care she provided for him, even though words can't adequately express their meaning and generosity.
He will be remembered for the loving pride he felt for his family, the music that filled their homes and hearts, and the laughter that followed him wherever he went, even for the "Dad jokes."
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire joy through every note played or story told in his honor.
Donations in Roger's honor can be made to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation at support.diabetesresearch.org.
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