NORFOLK, VA - The Rev. Dr. John H. Foster of Norfolk, Va., died Monday, Aug. 17, 2009. A homegoing service will be conducted at 11 a.m. today (Saturday, Aug. 22) at Shiloh Baptist Church, 745 Park Ave., Norfolk, Va.

Dr. Foster was raised in Louisburg. After serving in the U.S. Army in the early 1950s, he became pastor of his first church and continued his education. In 1957 he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Shaw University. He pastored a number of churches before arriving at Shiloh Baptist Church in Norfolk in 1967. He completed a Master of Divinity degree in 1972 at Shaw University, Doctor of Ministry degree in 1978 at Howard University, and received Honorary Doctorates from Virginia Seminary & College and Shaw University.

Dr. Foster was actively involved in the national, state and local religious communities and served in numerous capacities. He held a North Carolina Teaching Certificate and received the Meritorious Service Award from Knoxville Public Schools, served on the Board of Education for Norfolk Public Schools (including a term as vice chairman), was a member of the Shaw University Board of Trustees for more than 30 years, to name a few of his accomplishments.

Dr. Foster served in the social/political realm, significantly contributing to his community.

In his  honor, Shiloh Baptist Church in Norfolk, Va., declared John Foster Day on Aug. 1, 2009.

Surviving: his wife, Dr. Salona E. Foster; sons, Dr. Laguna Oche Foster and Dr. John Shevin Foster; one sister, Helen Davis of Suffolk, Va.; three grandchildren.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Theological Scholarship Foundation, Tidewater Metro Baptist Ministers Conference, c/o Dr. John H. Foster, Theological Scholarship Foundation, P. O. Box 4503, Norfolk, VA 23523.

Personal expressions of support should be sent directly to the Foster Family.

Graves Funeral Home in Norfolk is handling the arrangements.

www.gravesfuneralhomeinc.com