Janet Adele Axford Foster

Janet Adele Axford Foster died peacefully in her home on October 20, 2024 following an extended illness. She was born December 9, 1927 in Knoxville, Tennessee and was the beloved only daughter of Vincent and Eloise Clark Axford. Her early childhood years were spent in several southeast cities. When she was 14 her family settled in Huntington, West Virginia where she graduated with honors from Huntington High School before attending William and Mary College, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with degrees in economics and accounting. She then earned graduate degrees in economics and accounting from Marshall University. Her family and friends loved to tease that she must also have earned an honorary MD because she doggedly researched her every ailment before regularly presenting her diagnoses and treatment plans to her physicians.

 In 1958 she met a handsome and charming young British gentleman by the name of Clifford Stanley Foster... who would become the love of her life. They were married that same year and enjoyed 58 years of adventure together. Their married life began in High Point, North Carolina but soon afterward they moved to Camden, South Carolina where they established a long and happy partnership as co-managers of Springdale Hall Club. For 30 blissful years they hosted, entertained, and befriended seasonal guests and members of the international equestrian set. During these happy years, winters were spent in Camden and summers at their home in Blowing Rock NC, where they were also blessed with a large community of dear friends. Mrs. Foster became an enthusiastic volunteer librarian the Blowing Rock public library during their time there. In 2000, Mr. and Mrs. Foster sold their Blowing Rock property and settled at Brandon Wilde in Evans, GA.

 Between 1975 and 2000, Mr. and Mrs. Foster enjoyed regular vacations with Mr. Foster's brother Bob and his wife Dorothy, enjoying US, Caribbean, British and European destinations. Mrs. Foster expertly planned itineraries in detail, and they spent many happy times visiting each other's homes and travelling together.

 Mrs. Foster loved her extended British Foster family and remained close to them following her husband's death. In her later years, she enjoyed traveling with them vicariously, playing mahjong, and needlepoint.

 She is survived by her nephew, John A. W. Foster and his wife Jane of Woking, Surrey; her niece Hilary Foster Tattershall and husband Philip of Cockermouth, Cumbria; and three grand nephews; Joe, Mark, and Adam.

Mrs. Foster was grateful to Margaret Denniston and Alayna Edwards for their extraordinary care, support and compassion. She was especially thankful and grateful for her devoted caretaker friend, Allison Shellstrom, who lovingly assisted her in her final years.

 A Celebration of Life service will be held at Brandon Wilde on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the Georgia Room followed by a private  internment in Blowing Rock beside her beloved Cliff. If desired, memorials may be made to Crossnore Children's Home, Avery Campus, PO Box 249, Crossnore NC. 28616 or Wesley United Methodist Church, 825 Nor Bel Air Road, Evans, GA 30809.