Foster, Mary Michael Beaumont

Lifelong Learner And Educator

  • Sunday, November 3, 2024
Mary Michael Beaumont Foster
Mary Michael Beaumont Foster

Mary Michael Beaumont Foster passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at her home.

She was born on July 26, 1947, to Charles Houston and Jessie Beaumont. She was the second of three children and was preceded in death by her parents and brothers. Mary Michael grew up on both Lookout Mountain and Sewanee in Tennessee. She graduated high school from St Mary’s School in Sewanee. In 1968 she met Raynard Lay Foster, and they were married for 49 years until his death in 2018. She and Raynard were married on January 19, 1974 in Sewanee, Tn. and lived in Chattanooga most of their married life. Mary Michael attended college at the University of Tennessee and graduated in 1972 with a BS in Education. A lifelong learner and educator, she taught countless students throughout her career. Her teaching career began in Knoxville, at Tate’s School in 1972. Mary Michael started the preschool at St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church in 1981. As an educator, she worked at Chattanooga School for Liberal Arts for many years until her retirement in 2013. Even after her retirement she volunteered as a reading specialist for the school.

She is survived by her children, Matthew (Jennifer) Foster, of Birmingham, Adam (Julie) Foster of Atlanta, Caroline Foster and Raul Hidalgo of Chattanooga; her grandchildren, Mills and Hayes Foster of Birmingham and Ellie and Molly Foster of Atlanta; sister-in-law, Margaret Zucker of Sewanee, brother in law, Norman Smith of Chattanooga and a host of nieces and nephews.

She had many wonderful friends and caregivers throughout her life and some of the special ones include Vickie and Ken Trapp, Nita and Don Kilpatrick, Marilyn Chapman and Randy and Deanie Carver. The family would like to express our thanks to the care she received from Amber Brandt at Hearth Hospice and Jessica Potts.

Funeral services will be held beginning at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church in Chattanooga with burial afterward at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 4-7 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E Brained Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.

“It is the autumn of my life, ’tis mid September; and there are so many things I must remember, the little sandpipers running before the waves washing upon the shore…” Jessie Berry Beaumont

In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions be made in her memory to St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Preschool.

Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.

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