Birth Date: 1920-12-11

Obituary:
Mrs. Mary Alice Foster was called to rest on Tuesday, February 1, 1994 around 11:30 AM at her residence.

Mrs. Mary Alice Foster was born on December 11, 1920 in Midway, Alabama to the late James and Vinnie Parham. She came to Haines City from Midway, Alabama forty-three years ago.

She was a retired elementary school teacher for the Bullock County School Board in Midway, Alabama for several years. She was also a member of the Great Hope Missionary Baptist in Alabama.

Mary leaves to mourn and cherish her memories, two sons: James Foster Jr. "Hammer" (Carrie) of Haines City, FL and Jessie Foster "Pete" (Lizette) of Fort Lauderdale FL; three daughters: one who proceeded her in death, Mrs. Helen Annette Foster-Jenkins, Barbara Wilson (Jeff) of Washington, D.C and Shelia Foster of Haines City, FL; one brother: James Parham of Montgomery, AL; and one sister: Dorothy Foster of Peters, IL; eleven grandchildren, two God-sons; Julius Newman and Fernandez Gunter, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other sorrowing relatives and dear friends.

Birth Date: 1952-01-22

Deceased Date: 2022-06-14

Obituary:
MR. JAMES N. "HAMMER" FOSTER was called to rest on June 14, 2022, around 2:30 p.m. at Good Shepherds Hospice House in Lakeland, FL.

Mr. James Foster was born on January 22, 1952 in Midway, AL to the late James and Mary Foster. He came to Haines City, FL., at an early age.

He was a retired fireman of Haines City, FL., for 28 years. He also worked for the City of Haines City during the years of 1972 to 1974 as a lifeguard at Oakland Civic Center.

Preceded in death by his wife Carrie Foster and sister Helen Foster-Jenkins: James leaves to mourn and cherish his memories: his sons, Sherman Dale of Vero Beach, FL., Jatees Dale of Anderson, IN., James Foster III of Orlando, FL., and Jaewon Foster of Haines City, FL., one daughter, Jenera Foster of Haines City, FL; sisters, Barbara Wilson of Washington, D.C., and Sheila Foster of Haines City, FL; two brothers, Jessie "Pete" Foster (Lazette) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL., and Fred Brown of Colorado Springs, CO; one granddaughter, A'laya Foster of Haines City, FL., one living aunt, Dorothy Foster (John) of IN; two special friends, Julius Neuman and Arthur Simmons of Haines City, FL.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other sorrowing relatives and dear friends.

Birth Date: 1922-08-14

Graduation year: 1939

Deceased Date: 2018-01-02

Obituary:
Minnie passed peacefully from this life the morning of January 2, 2018 after a gradual decline in health. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family, friends and caregivers during the last days of her life. Minnie Foster was born to James and Annie Foster in Eufaula, Barbour County, Alabama on August 14, 1922. She had seven sisters: Catherine, Nellie, Annie, Will, Edna, Cherry and Ardenia; two brothers, James and Joseph Foster. They have all gone home to be with the Lord.
Minnie is survived by one child, Ronald McKinley and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins who loved her deeply. She graduated from Laboratory High School located in Montgomery, AL in 1939. She worked at the State Health Department of Alabama for 37 years and retired in 1984.

She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior in Birmingham, AL at the 23rd Street Baptist Church, where the late Reverend Otis Jones was her Pastor. In 1974, she united with the Bible Church under the leadership of Pastor Julian Davis. In the Bible Church, which has now been renamed to the New Covenant Bible Church, she worked serving Communion, as Assistant Sunday School Teacher, on
the Missionary Board and in the nursery. She loved children of all ages and would do anything to assist them with their educational goals.

Minnie married Levy Dial in 1954 and they were married for 23 years until he passed away in 1977. She enjoyed helping people and would take on others’ problems as her own. She continuously prayed for the needs of her family, friends, church and community. She was an avid sports fan.

Birth Date: 1962-07-23

Deceased Date: 2018-02-16

Obituary:
Carrie J. Harris was born on July 23, 1962, in Haines City, Florida, to the Late Earl Harris Sr., and Lillie Mae Harris. She graduated from Haines City High School in the class of 1980. She would go on to serve as an employee of the State of Florida for a total of 29 years, including the Polk County Health Department, Department of Children & Families (DCF), and finally retiring in 2014 from Dundee Ridge Middle School as an Administrative.

At an early age, Carrie obeyed the Gospel at the Oakland Church of Christ in Haines City, Florida, and later placed her membership at Preston Street Church of Christ in Auburndale, Florida. She dedicated her time and expertise to the youth program of the church, as well as other ministries. Carrie had a very giving spirit and a sincere desire to serve God. She loved spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and shopping.

She was very creative, and her hobbies included event decorating and creating custom gift baskets for various occasions.

She possessed a calming, nurturing spirit that could be felt by everyone she encountered. Her beautiful sincere smile lit up any room or space she entered. She had an uncanny ability to make those around her feel welcomed and valued, and was affectionately know as "Tee Tee Carrie" by her little nieces and nephews. Carrie's life positively impacted those who were fortunate enough to call her family or friend. She will never by forgotten.

She leaves to cherish many fond and loving memories: James Foster II (Hammer), her Three Loving children, James Foster III, Jaewon Foster, and Janera Foster , all of Haines City; Special Stepson, Sherman Dale; Five siblings, Emiley Stribling (Ben), Earl Harris (Marion), Lillian Burgess, Willie Harris (Sherrie), and David Harris (Krystal); Nephews, Damion Harris (Alexiss), Cleatus Davidson, Thomas Davidson, Jr (Evonie) Gregory Davidson, Johnny Jackson, Jr, Brian Foster, Marquis Foster, Trammell Foster, Devin Harris, Jayden Hylton, Jasper Jones, Ahman Foster, Marquis Foster Jr, Major Foster and Joshua Howard; Nieces, Jamilia Harris, Emilia Jackson, Deanna Davidson, Alaylah Harris, Jaelah Hylton, Christian Jenkins, Chanita Foster, Sonia Hilson, Lashayla Foster, Anaria Foster, Shykeeria McCants, and Nanja Jackson, Marcareya Foster, Naria Foster, Ja'zariya Foster; Aunts, aunt Sara and aunt Authorene; Loving in-laws, Barbara Wilson, Jesse (Pete) Foster, and Sheila Foster; Two devoted friends, Ceantra Davis and Letha McCants; and a host of additional aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, other relatives & friends.

Birth Date: 1949-03-07

Deceased Date: 2022-09-17

Obituary:
Life’s Journey

Walter Edward Hilson Sr., the son of Annie Mae and Richard Alexander Sr., was born March 7, 1949, in Babson Park Florida. At a young age he committed his life to Christ by becoming a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Dundee Florida. He attended Oakland High School before joining the US Army, where he served two terms in Vietnam.
He met his wife Gwendolyn as neighbors, and their friendship blossomed into love. They shared laughter and memories, and her devoted love and attention will never be forgotten.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted and loving wife, Gwendolyn Hilson, Dundee, FL; 7 sons: Ali Clark (Constance), Walter Edward Hilson Jr., Javaris Dorsey, Jonathan Hayden (Remy), Clive Sewell, Michael Carl Sewell, and Hugh Andrew Reid; 6 daughters: Sonia Monique Hilson (Brian), Jamillia Copeland (Danny), Brandi Hilson, Brenda Joyce Sanchez (Jonathan), Penni Rose -Ann Hilson (Sean), and Dianne Patricia Reid (Leon). Siblings: Don Hilson (Lois), Deborah Delois Alexander, Geraldine Alexander, Richard Alexander Jr, Armentha Henderson (James), and Archie Alexander (Stephanie). In-Laws: Eva Hamilton, Ennalyn Hines, and Eric Sewell (Marjorie); 17 grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. His beloved cousin LaTonya E. Hilson.

Birth Date: 1957-03-31

Deceased Date: 1993-07-28

Birth Date: 1936-07-04

Deceased Date: 2024-01-27

Obituary:
Eddie Mae Parker-Mathews was born July 4, 1936 in Midway, AL to the late Eddie & Princie Lee Parker. She was the second of 11 children. On Monday, January 15, 2024, God whispered softly to her, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

She obeyed the gospel at an early age at Person Chapel A.M.E. Church in Midway, AL., where she was a faithful working member until her health failed. She was a senior choir member and enjoyed attending Sunday Scholl as well as morning worship service.

She spent her early years in Midway, AL and relocated to Haines City, FL where she raised six children as a single parent. She worked various jobs in Haines City, FL. She was initially employed as a Domestic worker and later at Barrington Mobile Homes Manufacturing, where she retired. She loved people and everybody was her family. She enjoyed gardening, decorating, and yard sales. Also, she was a fashionista. She had a passion for African attire and turbans.

Eddie Mae is preceded in death by her son, Willie C. Cowart, Jr.: one sister, Mary Louise Parker; and two brothers: Albert L. Parker and Charles E. Parker.

She is survived by three sons, Rickey Joel Talley (Barbara) of Fortson, GA, Gregory Charles Parker of Rex, GA, and Darrel Parker (Necie) of Lake Wales, FL; two daughters, Terlesa Cowart of Rochester, NY and Greta Parker of Haines City, FL; seven grandchildren, Marcel Joel Butler, Khadija Odunmbaku, Laporsha Oguntola, Ashananese Parker, Darrel Kenon Parker, Daireeanna Brim, and Myra Parker; eleven great grandchildren; four brothers, Henry Parker (Vernell) of Forest Park, OH, Richard Parker of Midway, AL, James Otis Parker of Opelika, AL, and Billy Ray Parker of Pensacola, FL; three sisters, Ruth Mack of Midway, AL, Annie Parker of Midway, AL, and Dorothy Ellison (O'Neil) of Opelika, AL; five Godchildren, Edith Alston, Eric Anderson, Annie Mae Manuel, Robert Lee Walker and Tajinae White; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, to include a special cousin, Ethel Bell of Loughman, FL her church family, and friends, to include a best friend of more than 70 years, Mildred "Bigg" Crimes.

After the death of her oldest sister, she assisted in raising her youngest children: Anita Parker (deceased), Sharon Parker and Ronald Franklin.

Birth Date: 1958-04-25

Graduation year: 1976

Deceased Date: 2025-01-06

Obituary:
THE LIFE & LEGACY

A JOURNEY BEGINS....
Jeff Wendell Wilson was born April 25, 1958 to the late Eddie Matthew Larkin and the late Clara Louise Goodwin. Jeff was the sixth child born into this family. He attended the Quitman School System and graduated in 1976. After graduation, Jeff joined the U.S. Army. He spent 5 years as an infantryman and served as a good soldier. From the military to Washington, D.C. Jeff told us about his legacy with the FBI, as an entrepreneur of carpet cleaning and lawn care services, and finally his role as a security guard.

WALK WITH THE LORD....
All of Louise's children were brought up in the church. The Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church to be exact. Jeff accepted Christ and believed in God all of his life. Therefore, we know that his eternal salvation is certainly sure.

LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS....
After a long and steady life of work. Jeff's health began to present him with some dire challenges. These challenges compelled him to return to MS. He spent the first few years of his return with his sister Mary: he then went to live with this brother Larry and his sister-in-law Peggy. They indeed assisted him on the road to recovery. After regaining a sense of independence, Jeff's free spirit moved him from Jackson to Hattiesburg, MS. In Hattiesburg, he spent a few of the last years of his life doing what he loved to do best. He made many new friends there. He never met a stranger and if you had time to sit and ears to listen, Jeff was full of stories to tell. Stories from the rich and famous. Stories about the biggest churches and the best preachers. Stories about processing more than 100k criminals every day. Stories of people, politics and potentates! Stories about 11 bravo and all the making of military movements. When Jeff wasn't telling stories he was charming the ladies. During the last few months of his life, he was cared for once again by his brother Larry and sister-in-law Peggy in Jackson, MS.

THE FAMILY TREE....
Jeff is preceded in death by his mother, Clara Louise Goodwin, his father, Eddie Mathew Larkin and his sister, Mary Ollie Goodwin. Jeff leaves to cherish his memories: one son, Jeff Wilson II of Clinton, Maryland: one daughter, Rosalyn McGee Loper (Derrick) of Quitman, MS: four grandchildren, Logan Wilson of Clinton, Maryland, Jada Russell (Jessie), Aleya Loper and Halle Loper (Tytiona) all four from Quitman, MS: five great-grandchildren, Jaiden Benamon, Jaleeya Russell, Jailyn Russell, Kynslice Spencer and Kaislice Gatewood all of Quitman, MS: One Sister, Lucille Young of Albuquerque, New Mexico; five brothers, Johnny Goodwin (Mariann) of Albuquerque, NM, Eddie Wilson, Gary Moss, both of Quitman, MS. Larry Goodwin (Peggy) of Madison, MS and Phil "Carlos" (Flora) of Hattiesburg, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.