Eliese (Jackson) Foster Obituary (1948 - 2023)

Eliese Jackson Foster was the youngest of five children born to Joe Jackson and Sarah Lee (Cooks) Jackson on November 6, 1948 in Oxnard, California. She transitioned peacefully on February 2, 2023 at 9:07 A.M. surrounded by her loving family. At a young age, Eliese Foster professed a hope in Christ and was baptized at Trinity Baptist Church in Oxnard, California. She attended schools in Ventura County, California and graduated from Oxnard High School in 1966. She worked in a little boutique downtown where she met her future husband, John Timothy Foster, who was serving in the U.S. Navy while stationed in California. After a loving courtship, they united in holy matrimony on August 1, 1970 at her home church. Soon after uniting in marriage, Eliese moved with her husband to Austin, Texas. Once settled in an apartment located in Central Austin, she was hired at Scarborough's Department Store in the gift wrapping department where she developed her love for wrapping presents. She accepted a position at the Texas Education Agency and worked there for over 30 years until she retired. Eliese was a devoted and faithful Christian and was a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church for over 25 years. She gave many years of service to the Girls' Auxillary (GA's), Acteens, Sunday School (Nursery), and Training Union (Nursery). Her passion was working with children and youth to help guide their Christian walk. Even while working a full-time job, Eliese devoted herself to her children's school community by acting as President of the Pease Elementary School PTO/PTA where she held that position for many years. At one point, she held the title of the PTO/PTA President at Pease Elementary School and Kealing Middle School. Her love for children blended with her love for education and she enjoyed every single moment serving her community. Eliese's passion in life was her love for her family and service to others. Her thoughtfulness, patience, and LOVE for all will always be cherished and remembered. Eliese was preceded in death by her beloved parents, son, Jantzen Thaddeus Foster, paternal grandmother and namesake, Eliese Jackson (Granny), brother, Elvie Jackson, her devoted father-in-law and mother-in-law, Deacon Kelly and Deaconess Thelma Foster. Left to cherish her memories are her beloved husband of 52 years, John T. Foster of Austin, TX; 2 daughters, Janee Nicole Foster of Austin, TX and Delana Marcelle Foster of Austin, TX; 6 grandchildren, James Troy Jarmon Jr., John Thaddeus Johns, Anthony James Jarmon (AJ), Sarah Eliese Foster, Jackson Thaddeus Foster-Murphy, and Micah Pearson; sister, Emma Dautrieve and husband, Floyd of Stone Mountain, GA; brother, Julius Jackson; brothers-in-law, Kelly M. Foster, Jr. and wife, Sylvia of Katy, TX, and Charles E. Foster and wife, Sandra of Manor, TX; sisters in-law, Barbara Foster Wilson of Austin, TX and Jo Ann Foster Lewis of Austin, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.