Mae Josephine Foster

Mae Josephine Foster, 103 years, 9 months, 8 days, of Keokuk, IA went to rest in the arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. She was born March 19, 1914 in Peoria, IL the daughter of John Joseph and Effie Rae McCoy Wilkerson. She was united in marriage to Elmer Franklin Foster on December 8, 1931 in Macomb, IL. He preceded her in death on September 13, 1985. Mae graduated from Keokuk High School. She was a member of the 2nd Presbyterian Church in Keokuk for many years, where she played the organ and piano, and was a Sunday School teacher. She later joined the United Presbyterian Church in Keokuk, where she was also very active. Mae was raised by her grandparents, Sylis and Martha McCoy. As a child, she loved to sit around the piano and sing, while Elmer accompanied her with his guitar. She enjoyed to go on long car rides. Mae kept her mind sharp by working crossword puzzles. Mae was a gardener with a green thumb and grew beautiful flowers. Mae loved small children and they loved her. She adored her children and grandchildren, and she was very devoted to caring for her handicapped son, Lani. She is survived by one son, Lani Foster of Keokuk, two daughters, Diana R. Grice (Gary) of Keokuk and Rebeckah Kelly (Colin) of Keokuk, four grandchildren, R. Shawne Grice of Burlington, IA, Bryan F. Grice of Keokuk, Shayne Kelly of Keokuk and Nathan Kelly (Cherie) of Keokuk, seven great grandchildren, Ethan, Noah, Gabriella, Sheanna, Shelby, Addison Mae, Andrew Kelly, two great-great grandchildren, Vanna & Titus Kelly and several nieces and nephews, and her adopted daughter and caregiver, Norma Miller of Keokuk. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents who raised her, her parents, one sister, Helen Irene Wilkerson in infancy and two nieces, Dorine Kain and Iola Schneider. A memorial service will be held at 11 am Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Cornerstone Church in Keokuk. Family and Friends are invited to a luncheon following the memorial. Memorials may be made to the Cornerstone Church Ethnos 360 Missionary Anna Foster Missionary to Boliva, Alexandria Presbyterian Church or to Lexington Square Activities Department.