Foster L. Williams

It is often said that “legends live beyond eternity” because their legacy transcends through generations and time. Foster Lawrence Williams, at the age of 35, lived as if he was a giant and his footprint on the hearts of those, he met is everlasting.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on Friday, June 2, 1989 to his loving parents Larry Ball and Tresa Williams; God placed Foster Lawrence Williams on this earth to begin his timeless journey. Unexpectedly, 35 years later, after living a vibrant life filled with a multitude of grand experiences, Friday, September 20, 2024, Foster looked to the hills and found comfort in the arms of the Lord.

His journey touched the lives of many, leaving behind cherished memories that will be embodied in the love of his life, his daughter, Harley Williams; parents, Larry (Pam) Ball and Tresa Williams; siblings, Deveroux Manning, Evan Williams (Desiree), Sharniece Barnwell, Torrie Love, Aaron Ball, Nyhja Smith, Niyla Orr; nieces and nephews, Avona Jones, Amar’e Barnwell, Duvelle Jordan, Jr., Eva Williams, Kadence Grady, Theon Avery III, Th’Nyhjay Avery; as well as a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. His legacy of strength, love, resilience and generosity will last forever.

Foster was selfless and always abounding. In the final moments of his journey, he noticed that a homeless man had no shoes, so while walking the end of his road, he removed his shoes and gave them to him. His unwavering spirit to love and care about others was an inspiration to all who knew him.

As a young man who loved God, he would attend regular church services and took pleasure in hearing a good Word and choir. He believed strongly that as long God allowed him to live that the world would be his as well as the people in it. Foster was a magnet for friends that ended up becoming family. If he loved you, you became a mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, or nephew and if he gave you a nickname you were in all the way!

Foster was his given name but those who loved him called him many other loving nicknames. He was Larger Than Life! He was the devoted son, brother, uncle, father and friend, that knew how to always start a party and bring immense joy to everyone around him. Foster was full of love; he loved passionately and made sure the people he loved smiled. He was a shining star, and no one could ever or will ever dim his light.

During middle school Foster participated in many educational programs. He was afforded the opportunity to see the world through a different lens. Horseback riding, that he loved, fishing, visiting the NASA plant, tennis, rock climbing and tobogganing were a few experiences that he obtained before the age of 15. Some of these were done while participating in the Student Technical Enrichment Program and Summer Camp in the Greater Cleveland Area and beyond.

He knew no boundaries and pushed the limit to see how far he could succeed…. and did! A 2008 graduate of Glenville High School, “Go Tarblooders!”, Foster was known all over the city and was loved by his teachers and schoolmates. He created lasting memories at the Glenville Rec and in the classrooms. While in high school he and his eldest brother Evan, were convinced to become lifeguards by their pushy extended little sister Lori. This experience catapulted Foster into a new level of his life. Foster worked at local pools in the Greater Cleveland Area, allowing him to be a role model to children from all walks of life and create lasting bonds with people all over town.

Those skills he used while he served his country as a Airman in the United States Airforce Reserves. He served there for two years before he and his extended little brother Jeff took a random road trip to visit Lori in Jacksonville, Florida at then, Edward Waters College, now University. Little did Foster know; this would be the trip of a lifetime and would be the start of a new life. On the historic Kings Road, in the town of Jacksonvilleeeee, DUVAL! Foster found his tribe and was welcomed with open arms.

Foster, of course, participated in everything he could! Christians In Action, Student Government, Residential Life, Admissions and Recruitment, Foster made an impact, and it was felt on the campuses of Edward Waters, Jacksonville University, and the University of North Florida. He loved to serve, and he loved to be a true friend.

In the Spring of 2015, Foster knew that his glass ceiling was closing in and he needed to climb his next mountain. In the essence of true friendship and service, 11 Enthusiastic Truth Seekers of Tenacity, under the leadership of Jeff and Antinaris, Foster and 10 other young men pledged their lives, time, and talents to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated ®. Christian Blocker, Denzal Dillard, Dontae Tarpley-Nolton, Edgar Harpe, Jr., Foster Williams, Langston Grant, Cedavean Waller, Henry Coleman, Jr., Willie Coleman, IV., Brandon Dillard, and Jeremy Wallace, brothers until eternity, as they became Men of Omega Psi Phi.

Foster would often be found, being “OWT”, on the yard or hopping from campus to campus, in his Royal Purple and Old Gold. He traveled the world by himself and with his fraternity brothers. Road trips are where the most memories were created and out by the grill at the Chi Chapter Plot. If the Ques had something going, he was going to make it even if it was on the moon, that young man didn’t let no grass grow under those feet! He served, selflessly, and served well! Friendship was essential to his soul and he made sure to make friends and meaningful bonds wherever his journey took him.

Foster loved to cook. He started a small company “A Piece of Me, LLC” and many people loved his food and paid him for his grill skills. More than cooking, Foster was an enthusiastic traveler. His willingness and openness for opportunity took him to Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, Dubai and Puerto Rico. He traveled all over the dirty south to Colorado and many places in between.

Foster was not one dimensional he was a true Renaissance Man. The clothes didn’t make the man when it came to Foster, but he did like to dress and was ready to step proper when it was time. Whether the attire was debonair or down and dirty, he always wore something Purple and Gold. He was so handsome and well dressed that he was selected to be a model for professional barbers and online boutiques. He was photogenic and loved to capture memories through photography. His smile and eyes showed his true spirit, he was a blessing from God.

Foster loved music of all kinds, and he could sing and loved gospel choirs! He loved a wide range of movies and tv shows that he would enact his favorite parts for fun with his friends and family.

He was a tradesman; roofing, carpentry, cement masonry, telemarketing and painting were some of his learned skills. Slick talking and the gift of gab, to wiggle himself and others out of any situation was a natural skill.

Foster Lawrence Williams lived his life loud for all to see and he loved hard and loud. Foster was love and his love still lives on in all he loved. So, continue to love Foster by loving yourself and loving others genuinely. May Foster rest in eternal peace, free from pain, and may his memory continue to bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 12th, 2024 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with a Funeral Service immediately following at Everlasting Baptist Church, 579 Eddy Rd, Cleveland, OH 44108.

Repast Information will be announced at later date.

To leave a message of condolence please visit his Tribute Page.

The family is asking that any monetary donation be given in lieu of flowers. Please call the funeral home to submit donation payment.