Rita Foster

Mother Rita Foster, of South Bend, Indiana, departed this life on Monday, March 9, 2026. At the time of her passing, she was a resident of Briarcliff Health and Rehabilitation.

Mother Rita Foster was born on May 20, 1957, in LaPorte, IN to the union of Richard Centriss Johnson and Mary Frances Johnson, both of whom preceded her in death. She was raised in LaPorte, IN and attended and graduated from the LaPorte High School. She was an employee at Howmet Incorporated for 30 years before she retired. At an early age, she accepted Christ and later became a faithful and devoted member of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, where she served in various capacities, including Youth Department, the Mother’s Board, and the Showers of Praise Choir. Mother Rita Foster was known for her strong faith, kind spirit, and unwavering dedication to her church and her family.

Rita met Elder Bernoice Foster in the year of 1991 and on June 20, 1992, was united in holy matrimony. To this union, she was a loving stepmother, to her bonus children Abraham and Rachel Foster, daughter and sister in love, Aunt, and friend who cherished her family. Mother Rita Foster was installed as Church Mother at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in 2008 During her life, she enjoyed singing, cooking and traveling most of all spending time with family.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband of 34 years Elder Bernoice Foster, bonus children Abraham and Rachel Foster, two Brothers James Johnson Sr and Richard (Sleepy) Johnson, her special niece Jillian McIntosh, close sisters in love and a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends that will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her mother Mary Frances Johnson, father Richard Centriss Johnson, sister Linda Johnson, and her beloved niece CoCo.

Mother Rita Foster was a great encourager and motivator. She had a special gift for uplifting others and could always be counted on to brighten someone’s day with a kind word, a smile, or a word of encouragement. Her presence brought comfort, joy, and inspiration to all who knew her. 

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