"Rest In Peace, Dear Cousin"
In loving memory of
Willie Rochell Foster
June 15, 1954 - September 17, 2022
Foster, Bishop
Willie Rochell
Muskegon,MI
Bishop Willie R. Foster was born at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon Michigan, June 15, 1954, to the union of late Superintendent Willie J. Foster and Mother Beatrice Foster. He is the oldest of three children. Willie (affectionately called Rochell) received Jesus as his Lord and Savior as a teenager. Willie graduated from Muskegon Heights Public Schools in 1972. He attended Muskegon Community College, where he studied business. While in junior high, he earned the nickname of "Shoe Shine" because as a student he used to go around and shine all of the teachers shoes carrying his supplies in a brown paper bag. During high school Willie worked as a paperboy and a cashier at Fritz Drug Store. He remained at the drugstore after graduating high school until 1977, when he began working at the prison as a Teacher's Aide and was later promoted to Corrections Officer where he received the Correction Officer of the Year Award.
He married the love of his life, the beautiful Jeanette Allen in 1981. To this union was born two children, Krystal and Robert. Willie is also the grandfather of seven grandchildren.
Willie served under his father's ministry as a deacon, choir member, usher, and assistant pastor until his father's death in 2002. At that time, Willie was appointed pastor of Greater New Liberty Church of God in Christ as well as the superintendent of Liberty District. In 2021 he was consecrated to the office of Bishop in the Lord's church by Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard. Bishop Foster continued to faithfully serve as the Superintendent of the Liberty District of Great Lakes Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Michigan. As a jurisdictional official, Bishop Foster served as Financial Expeditor as well as Council on the Ordination Board. Bishop Foster faithfully executed his duties and responsibilities without fail in the Great Lakes/Great Lakes Second Jurisdiction while serving with his uncle the late Bishop C. L. Anderson Jr, the late Bishop A. M. Smith, and his current leader Bishop Dwight E. Walls Sr.
Bishop Foster will be missed by all. He was a people person; those who really knew him, knew he never met a stranger. He was humble, a great encourager and kind at heart. He spent many hours doing street ministry, praying on the corner for the neighborhood. He showed his love to his congregation by randomly giving out gift cards. His congregation showed him love by baking cakes and sending him on trips. His favorite restaurant was Lee's Fried Chicken where he enjoyed their SWEET TEA. In his spare time, he loved to fish, garden, grill, read and study the Holy Bible. He especially loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and church family.
SURVIVORS
Bishop Foster leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Jeanette Foster, his son Robert Foster, his daughter Krystal Foster. Two brothers, Virgil (Vie), Thomas (Glenda). His grandchildren who affectionately called him Big Daddy, Jeremiah, Tamirah, Julius, Terrion, Robert Jr., Anieyah and Anayshia. Bishop Foster also leaves to cherish his memory, several nieces, nephews, friends, and his loving congregation at Greater New Liberty Church of God in Christ.
Bishop Foster's favorite Scripture: I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me ~ Philippians 4:13
Acknowledgments
Good friends are like the stars.... you don't always see them, but you know they are always there. We appreciate your presence today and your acts of kindness shown in this wonderful celebration. May God Bless You! The Foster Family Acknowledge of Appreciation to Clock Funeral Home and Staff
SERVICE
Bishop Willie R. Foster schedule services as follows
Lying in Honor:
Friday, September 23, 2022
10am-5pm
Local & District Service
6pm-8pm
Greater New Liberty COGIC
2836 5th Street
Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
Bishop Willie R. Foster-Pastor
National Homegoing Celebration
Saturday, September 24, 2022
Viewing 9:00am
Service 10:00am
Holy Trinity Institutional COGIC
2140 Valley Street
Muskegon, MI 49444
Elder Nathaniel Wells III- Pastor
LIVESTREAM HOMEGOING SERVICE
https://youtube.com/user/cotrell75
Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.
Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon
Tributes
"To Jannette and family we are saddened for your loss I will always remember the joy Rochell (Bishop) brought to our family May God give you peace and strength during this time . We are sending you are love and prayers Carolyn Staci and Ashleigh from Detroit "
"my Friend My classmate, always a great person/man of God. From childhood to adulthood Willie always had a joyful presence . .Heaven is for saints like my friend Willie. Heaven is your new home now. God bless you my Brother. Job well done good and faithful servant. your brother in Christ Donald Robinson"
"Be Encourage, God will take care of you!?"
"Blessed Greeting's to Mother Foster and The Entire Foster Family! My prayer is for devine comfort, which Only God can give, In Jesus Name. My most memorable time and moment is where Pastor & Superintendent at that time, Open Up The Evening Of Praise& Worship Service, With A Holy Ghost Bang Of An Explosion On he mentioned in the Service (March 1st, 8 years ago, March Madness And That's Exactly What it Was. What Power An Anointing He had to Ignite That Glorious Service. As far as I was concern as you see me on the end of the first row on the front seat at the he middle numerous times beating my Tambourine with The Holy Ghost Backup Authority, He Could Have Kept It Going For My Part, I Loved His Drive, To Stimulate, Motivate, Inspire And Lift The Hearts Of God People, Like Fire From Heaven! For A Truth That God Ordain, Anointed An Appointed Man Of God, Will Receive His Rewards For His Pure Heart For God, His Family & His Fellowman. Love And Prayers To You All, God Willing I Plan To Be There With Semaje And My ANOINTED Playing Tambourine Self, For God To Get, All Of The Glory, Due His Name, That What The Bishop Willie R Foster Would Want!!!!"
"May God continue to Bless and strengthen you at this time. Such a "joy" to observe this humble man of God on his journey. Only what "we do for Christ will last!""
"I pray that the strength and peace of God comfort you doing this time of loss. Stand on God's word and look to the hill which cometh your strength. "
"Words cannot express my sadness and grief when I heard the news. It was just 6 months ago almost to the day when Bishop participated in the funeral service of my husband. Bishop was a true friend in need and indeed. I will miss you "My Brother " . Rest easy. Karen Johnson-Cole and Family"
"Spirit of Lord provide Comfort, Peace and Ùnderstanding to the Family and Church Family of God's Servant. Robert & Susie Jackson Family."
"Our prayers to the family n church family of Bishop Foster. Our Heavemly Father will be with you during
your time of loss. His infinite Love with aid you with
His peace, grace and mercy.??????"