FAMU Marching 100 'band mother' dies

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FAMU Marching 100 'band mother' dies
By Jennifer Jefferson


Mary Ann Foster was known as the "band mother."

Her husband, William P. Foster, created Florida A&M University's famous Marching 100.


Mary Ann Foster, who worked for the university for more than 40 years, died Friday. She was 85.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. John's Episcopal Church, 211 N. Monroe St. The family will receive visitors from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Timberlane Road Chapel. The Links, a social and community service organization for women, will have a memorial service at 7 p.m. Thursday at Culley's.

Survivors include her husband, William P. Foster Sr.; sons, Anthony Foster and William Foster Jr.; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Instead of flowers, contributions can be made to the William P. and Mary Ann Foster Memorial Fund, c/o FAMU Foundation, 203 Lee Hall.

Foster, a native of Shreveport, La., worked as an X-ray technician at the university as well as a secretary and office manager in the Office of Student Activities.

"She always had a smile for you," said Alexis Roberts McMillan, president of The Links. "She was always a person who was concerned and cared about your well-being."

Foster received numerous awards from FAMU for her service to students.

Foster has served as president, secretary and treasurer of the The Links. She obtained its highest recognition - platinum membership - for more than 50 years of service.

"She was a queen in a lot of ways," said Linda Dilworth, a longtime friend and a member of The Links. "She was the queen of service. She made great initiatives for children and the FAMU band."

According to a news release from FAMU, "President James Ammons and the entire FAMU family are keeping the Foster family in our prayers."

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GOD BLESS THE FOSTER FAMILY... I WILL BE PRAYING FOR THEM...