Joni Foster, 84, resident of The Villages, Florida passed away on 9/22/2023. Joni was born 1/26/1939 in Springfield, MA to Bertha and Phillip Tillman. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, George Foster. Joni is survived by her two children, Barry Stein (Mary) of Hudson Oaks, TX and Barbara McClatchey (Gene) of Chattanooga, TN, two grandchildren Chip Stein (Theresa) of Memphis, TN and Ryan McClatchey (Meredith) of Knoxville, TN and two great grandchildren Luke and Evelyn Stein.
Joni graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while working as an aircraft technical writer at FedEx in Memphis, TN, where she was employed for over 20 years. During her time in Memphis and surrounding areas including Olive Branch, MS, she enjoyed being surrounded by loving family and friends, and watching her grandchildren grow up. While her children often went to nearby lakes to water ski, Joni became part of the action by becoming the captain of her own Hobie Cat sailboat.
Joni was a talented artist, especially in pen and ink. She created beautiful renderings of homes of family and friends and gave them as gifts which are dearly treasured. Joni lended her creativity to many events over the years including dressing as a clown for many fundraising walks, decorating for large galas and any other event that requested her skills.
After retirement, Joni moved to The Villages, Florida where, by chance, she met George. They quickly fell in love and became husband and wife. Never one to miss an adventure, Joni jumped at the chance to join George on a cross country trip from central Florida to California and back in a Mazda Miata. To our knowledge, they only got one speeding ticket.
A celebration of life will be held in The Villages, Florida at Hibiscus Recreation Center on September 30, 2023 at 2:00pm. A small graveside service will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 12:45pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joni may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) of Tennessee, 105 Westpark Drive Suite 415, Brentwood, TN 37027 or online at www.jdrf.org.
Joni,
It has been wonderful having you on my train of life. We shared so many laughs, it will be difficult to travel on without you. God bless you my dear sweet friend. God willing, we will continue our friendship one day in heaven.
Joni,
Was a beautiful, and positive ray of light, pure sunshine. If you were ever in her presence, you would feel her warm love. She was always so chic’ with here stylish look; she gave sweaters and scarfs a really cool look. I truly thank God for meeting her in this life. Praying for her family that God gives you his perfect peace.