Obituary of Adlean Foster

Adlean (White) Foster was born a twin on November 4, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Reverend George Lee and Elizabeth White, Sr.. She was the fourth born of seven children. Her parents, two brothers, George White, Jr. and Joseph “JoJo”, and stepson, DeWayne Foster preceded her in death. She confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined herself to Compton Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend W.J. Mahomes. She later received her education in the St. Louis Public Schools system. She was a Vashon Wolverine. In 1962 she married George Mandaville and to that matrimony were born two children, Larry and Sandra. Later in life she married Willis Foster and they adopted Monica Foster. She had a compassionate heart, and her home was a refuge to many from foster children to those living in broken families or crisis situation. She never knew a stranger. She always believed the best about everyone and never had a harsh word to say about anyone. She served faithfully at El-Bethel Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years under the leadership of her father, the late Reverend G.L White, Sr. and her brother, Reverend DeWitt White, Sr. where she was a part of the Mass Choir as a member and secretary. She loved children so much she was the Sunday school teacher for the kindergarten and primary children for many years. She also loved to sing and joyfully traveled with Progressive Mass Choir under the direction of Earl Wayne Evans spreading the gospel through song. Adlean developed a love of caring for children while working on the children’s ward at Homer G. Phillips Hospital and Central Medical Center. Later in life she worked at the family-owned company Bernadette Business Forms and retired after 19 years of service. She was a hard worker and prided herself on taking care of her family as best as she could. A quiet spirit later in life but a giant in every way. Adlean was also affectionately known as “Addie.” She had a love affair with cooking, especially potatoes, sweet potatoes, hmmmm, GOOD! Her sweet potato pies were so impeccably rich, with smooth consistency and flavorful, you would be convinced that the next bite couldn’t be as good as the last, but oh it was, down to the last bite. Her pies never disappointed. She was an exceptional cook, from roast & potatoes with gravy on Sundays to broccoli cheese rice casserole, to her moist, fluffy Cream Cheese Pound Cakes on holidays, her culinary skills were heaven sent. Everyone for sure knew the ‘Foster’ kitchen was one to find a filling meal, a slice of paradise all prepared with a sprinkle of ‘Adleans’ love. You could taste the love in every bite She leaves to cherish her memory: Three children, Larry (Bridgette) Mandaville, Sandra Callier, and Monica Foster; four siblings, Shirley Ware, DeWitt (Ann) White, Sr., Irene Branch, and Ronald White; four grandchildren, Ryan (Natasha) Griffin, Larry Mandaville, Jr., Ashton Mandaville, and Michael Sebastian Callier; three step grandchildren, Lela Foster, Simone Foster, and Willis Dewayne Foster Jr.; one great grandson, Legacy Mandaville; a very special friend of more than 50 years Ms. Parthenia Jennings, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.