Obituary for Joanne Judkins Foster

“A Life Well Lived, A Heart Forever Loved.”

Joanne Judkins Foster, 93, peacefully entered eternal rest on October 8, 2025. She was born on April 11, 1932, in Smithfield NC to the late Joseph and Stancil Judkins.

Joanne was a devoted Christian whose faith guided every aspect of her life. She attended Oakey Grove Baptist Church, where she developed a lifelong love for God, family, and community. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith touched many lives throughout her 93 years.

Joanne retired from the Johnston County Mental Health Department, where she was respected for her dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping others. Her strength, warmth, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Joanne will be remembered as a woman of grace, strength, and devotion — a faithful servant of the Lord who lived her beliefs through love and action. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:23

Viewing: Wednesday October 15, 2025, at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577 from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, 12:00 noon at St. Peter’s Church of Christ, 1011 Massey St., Smithfield, NC 27577. Viewing will take place from 11:30 a.m. to noon, followed by the service at noon.

Click on the Add Comments Line Below to leave a message for the family.

                                                                                                     Guest Book

Family or Deceased Name: Mrs. Joanne Judkins Foster
Your Name: Councilman Dr. Gettys Cohen, Jr. and Mrs. Shirley O Cohen and Family
Email: drgg1@hotmail.com
Message: TO THE ENTIRE FOSTER FAMILY OCTOBER 10, 2025

Dear Mrs. Joanne Judkins Foster Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Joanne Foster on October 8, 2025 in Smithfield, NC. She lived a remarkable 93 years, dedicating so much of her life to the community and serving as Secretary of the Johnston County Branch of the NAACP for nearly the entire time I had the privilege of serving as Branch President. Mrs. Foster’s unwavering commitment to justice and equality was evident in her decades of service as secretary under three presidents of the Johnson County Branch. Her steadfast commitment, dedication, and spirit have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Branch.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the cherished memories of her life, her tireless service, and the countless ways she touched the lives of those around her. Her election as "Mother of the Year" by the Branch was a testament not only to her leadership but to the love, wisdom, and nurturing spirit she shared with all who knew her. Her legacy of devotion, kindness, and courage will continue to inspire us all.
Remember these words from Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May peace and strength carry you through the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Councilman Dr. Gettys Cohen, Jr. and Mrs. Shirley O. Cohen and Family

Date: 919-934-5778

Family or Deceased Name: Joanne J. Foster
Your Name: Iradell Sandders
Email: iradell.sanders@yahoo.com
Message: I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. My prayers will be with the family. Focus on the good times when you were with your mother. That will help you get through this. Iradell Sanders

Family or Deceased Name: Sis. JoAnne Foster
Your Name: Rev. Drs. Elma & Albert Harris
Email: elmaharris243@Gmail.com
Message: Sis. JOanne was one so faithful and true to the work of the Kingdom of God! To the family please know our prayers, sympathy and condolences are with you! Mother Foster will truly be missed by the JDMBA, Inc Missionaries! Rest on and take your rest as a legacy of love and remberance you leave behind! We say thank you for being a pillar for so many of us! May she rest in peace!
Date: 9196990117

Family or Deceased Name: Joanne Foster
Your Name: Danita Elliott
Email: elliottdanita@yahoo.com
Message: I am so very sorry for the loss of your kind and sweet mom. Cousin Joanne was very special to me and she was one of the main reasons why I would come back to Smithfield from time to time. I will really miss her but she lived a long productive god -filled life. Take your rest now Cousin Jonne, God has chosen to take another one of his angels home to glory. Amen
Date: 10152025

Family or Deceased Name: Mrs. Joanne Foster
Your Name: Harvey and Barbara Monk
Email: deltadoll1@yahoo.com
Message: Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this lovely, quiet, child of God. I understood how her quiet yet firm demeanor enabled her to serve as an officer in several organizations. We pray God's grace and comfort keep you during this time. She will be missed.
Date: 10-14-25

Family or Deceased Name: Joanne Foster
Your Name: Joyce S Wall
Email: wall.joyce82@gmail.com
Message: With sympathy
Date: 9197794255

Family or Deceased Name: Joanne J. Foster & Family
Your Name: Rev. & Mrs. Zinfindale Smith
Email: zinfindalesmith@gmail.com
Message: To the family of Joanne J. Foster: When words fall short, may you find space for your feelings, memories, and moments shared with her. Sister Foster will always be remembered as a source of encouragement, as she lived her life faithful to God and love for people young and old.
Thank you for sharing her with all of us and we shall continue to show our gratitude in the days to come. May God bless and comfort you.

Date: 2027102205

Family or Deceased Name: Joanne Foster
Your Name: Rev. Louise Knight
Email: knightlouise309@yahoo.com
Message: My prayers are with the family. May God comfort you as only he can do. Mother Joanne was a blessing to know. Rest now in Jesus.
Date: 10-11-25

Family or Deceased Name: Foster and Sanders Family
Your Name: Rev. Dr. Robert O'Neal Jr.
Email: pastorboboneal@gmail.com
Message: We at The Tabernacle can only imagine the grief and sorrow that you bear. May you find comfort during this time as God strengthens your heart with His love and peace.
With caring thoughts and prayers from Rev. Michael C. Richardson, Senior Pastor and the church family of O’Neal Revival Tabernacle, 500 Richardson Rd, Zebulon NC.
Date: 919-375-4275