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Mrs. Margaret Kathryn Cress Foster, 90, formerly of Jericho Church Road, Mocksville, died on Friday, July 26, 2019, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem after a lengthy battle with dementia.

She was born April 16, 1929, in Rowan County to the late Clyde Monroe and Mary Elizabeth Huffman Cress. She was also preceded in death by: her husband of 48 years, James Anderson Foster Jr.; a sister, Louise Mosteller (Bill); and a brother, Mitchell Cress (Peggy).

Survivors: her children, Carolyn Mathis of Mooresville, Brenda Plemmons (Jim) of Clemmons, Cathy Smith (Tim), and Allen Foster (Marjorie), all of Mocksville; a sister, Patsy Ryan of Florida; grandchildren Eric Spry, Craig Spry, Aaron Fender (Allison), Leslie Fender, Trevor Smith, and Sierra Foster; and 4 great-grandchildren.

She was one of four children and was raised on a family farm in Mount Ulla. She was an accomplished student and enjoyed her place on the debate team and Beta Club. After graduation, she married James A., following his return from service in the US Army. They built a home in Davie County and opened a watch repair shop in downtown Mocksville. They built a happy and successful life together and the business grew and expanded. Their work and determination paid off as Foster’s Jewelers thrived for 52 years, and she was presented a Key to the Town of Mocksville from Mayor Slate when she retired in 2005. This was her happy place and anyone who visited her at work can truthfully say that she loved her customers and treasured them just like a family member.

At home, she enjoyed cooking and expanded her kitchen skills to a point of having her own “family recipes” cookbook. She greatly enjoyed her work at the jewelry store and in later life, she enjoyed ballroom dancing with friends. Her family were founding members of Mocksville’s Holy Cross Lutheran Church and she later joined First United Methodist Church. She was an active member in circle meetings and loved providing roses from James A.’s garden for the sanctuary.

She was probably best known for greeting all who entered her front door with a sincere smile and a willingness to be helpful. Her work ethic was one that could be challenged by none and she will be missed by many.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30 at Eaton Funeral Chapel with Dr. Glenn L. Myers officiating. Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Mt. Ulla. The family will receive friends from 12-1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials: First UMC of Mocksville, 310 N. Main St.

Condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.