09/08/08 — W.A. Foster Center: Who was W.A. Foster?

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W.A. Foster Center: Who was W.A. Foster?

By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on September 8, 2008 1:39 PM

Born in Lawrenceville, Va., in 1902, Walter A. Foster is remembered throughout Wayne County as an educator, church member and civic leader.

He graduated from Livingston College in Salisbury before pursuing a master's degree at Colombia University in New York.

Foster was an educator for more than four decades, serving as principal of East End School prior to its closing. He also served within the local chapter of the N.C. Association of Educators.

Foster was active at St. James African Methodist Church and served on its Board of Trustees -- organizing the Layman's League of Cape Fear Conference, comprised of 100 churches.

He lived a life of service, volunteering in numerous civic and community organizations, including Phi Beta Sigma Inc.

Foster was awarded a citation by Goldsboro Mayor Ben Strickland for his years of service and received accolades from N.C. Recreation and Parks for his commitment to young people.

The Leslie Street Community Center was renamed in his honor.

He was married to Pearl Massey Foster.

Foster died in 1974.

Information courtesy of the Wayne County Museum's Wall of Fame.