Foster D. Johnson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Foster D. Johnson, native of Jeanerette, Louisiana and a resident of Morgan City, Louisiana, who left this earthly realm on , just shy of his 98th birthday., Foster lived a life filled with love, laughter, and profound dedication to his family and community. Foster was born on July 19, 1928 and was the third beloved child of six sons born to of the late Louis and Burnedet (Dezazan) Johnson. His primary and secondary education was in Iberia Parish and he completed high school in 1946. After completing his high school studies in 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for three (3) years and after completion he received an honorable discharge. One year later, after completion of services in the U. S. Airforce, in 1950, he reenlisted in the U.S. Army for another three (3) years and received another honorable discharge. He was in his second tour of service when he decided to marry his sweetheart, the late Doris Mae Griffen. Foster decided after his honorable discharges to go back to school to obtain his degrees. He enrolled in Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. He then continued education to receive his Masters of Arts Degree and Plus 30 Accredited Hours above a Masters Degree in Education from Prarie View College in Texas. Further studies were also completed later at the University of Lafayette in Lafayette, Louisiana. After obtaining all of his degrees, he worked for 30 plus years as a Public School Teacher at several schools in Morgan City and served as the first black Principal at Jacquet Elementary in Morgan City, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Doris Mae Griffen Johnson, with whom he shared 63 wonderful years of marriage, his brothers Hoover, Schooler, Booker, Hammond, and Herbert Johnson, and his great-grandson, Foster N. Umezulike. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his surviving family: his devoted daughter, Dr. Janice M. Johnson Umezulike Jack, and son-in-law, Lester Jack; his treasured grandchildren, Doris N. Umezulike and Bedford I. Umezulike along with his wife, Kristen; and his great-granddaughter, Kassidy Umezulike. Foster is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever remember his warmth and kindness. Foster was a man of the outdoors, finding joy and solace in fishing, shrimping, and gardening. His hands were never idle, always working on projects around the home. Known for his strong opinions and deep care for others, Foster's presence was a comforting constant in the lives of those who knew him. A service to celebrate Foster's life will be held at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, located at 113 Federal Avenue, Morgan City, Louisiana 70380. It is there that we will gather to honor a man who meant so much to so many. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all who offered prayers and acts of kindness during this difficult time. We are particularly thankful for the compassionate care provided by the nurses and physicians at Ochsner St. Mary Hospital in Morgan City, Louisiana. A special acknowledgment is given to the Hospice Nurses and staff of Heart of Hospice in Franklin, Louisiana, and the dedicated team at Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Morgan City, Louisiana. We are immensely grateful to Mr. Clarence Robinson, Ms. Jowanda Tillman, Mr. Donnie Toups, Donald Nicholas, Pastor Dr. Ronald McCoy, and Ms. Salyria Gumms-Williams for their unwavering support and love. We appreciate you going out of your way to visit and be there at this difficult time. It was greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to organizations that were close to Foster's heart. Foster D. Johnson's life was a testament to love, resilience, and the bonds of family. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.