Foster Roscoe Lassiter, 79, of Winston-Salem, NC, son of the late Alexander and Elizabeth Lassiter, was born on November 17, 1939. He departed this life on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at Novant Health Palliative Care Unit.

Foster was baptized and joined United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church where he was an active member who served on the Usher Board and the Men's Chorus which he enjoyed immensely. He was also active in the community as volunteer for Meals on Wheels which was another act of caring that he accomplished with ease and joy.

Foster, affectionately known as "Zeke" to friends, received his early education in Winston-Salem, NC. He was a member of the prestigious Esquire Junior's Club at Atkins High School from where he graduated in 1958. Foster continued his education at Winston-Salem Teachers College where he participated in the band as a bass drummer, played cymbals, and would meet his wife to be, Shelda Jean Hardy. He was drafted into the United States Army during his 3 rd year of college where he served honorably for 4 years before being transferred into the United States Army Reserve for another 4 years. Foster believed in honoring God, hard work and presenting your best self forward in any and every situation and opportunity, this is what he continuously demonstrated to his daughter and grandchildren.

On December 31, 1962, Foster was united in holy matrimony with Shelda Jean Hardy. They were blessed with one daughter, Cassandria (Sandy) LaVette.

Foster was a loyal employee at R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company where he received numerous awards and accolades during his tenure before retiring in 1995. He was also a part owner of TWM Services which was a food service business. He always would see a familiar face where ever he would go. He enjoyed entertaining and being entertained, cooking, golf and fellowship with family and friends. Liked and loved by many, always fair to all he would encounter during his stay here on earth. Never complaining about the hardships of life but instead taking every opportunity to learn and teach others, especially his child and grandchildren, of a better way to get it done. Foster lived life to the fullest, truly loved his family and was an awesome example of how to live a productive, resourceful, successful faith filled journey while he was here with us.

Foster is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Shelda Jean Hardy Lassiter, a devoted daughter Cassandria LaVette Reich (Terry); two granddaughters -Terra Michelle Beale and Sireyia Renee′ Beale; a grandson, Michael Foster Beale; three great grandsons, Allen Pinkney, Anthony Pinkney, and John Henry Switzer; two great granddaughters, Are′yiana Pinkney, and Aliecia Pinkney; a brother, Hiram R. Goins (Shannon)all of Winston-Salem, NC; four sisters-in-law: Lillie Hardy Rooks, Elaine Hardy-Holland (Anthony), Lovie Hardy Leach, Eleanor Hardy, Wilema Hardy; three brothers-in-law : Willie Arnell Hardy, George Winton Hardy (Sandra), Michael Devon Hardy (Cynthia); and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Foster was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Fred Smith Jr., Bobby Smith, and David Smith; sister, Shirley Goins McDonald; four brothers-in-law: Plummer Fletcher Hardy, Jr., Robert Roosevelt Hardy, Troy Carlton Hardy, and Edward Rooks.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, April 29, 2019 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. The family will greet friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment in Piedmont Memorial Gardens with military rites.