Bernice Summerville Foster was born on April 16, 1943 to the union of the late Rev J.H. and Lillie E. Summerville. In addition to that union were six more children: Lillie Bell, Yvonne (deceased), James Ill, Johnny Ray, Wendell, and Gradie Jean (deceased). Bernice accepted Christ and was baptized at the tender age of five by her father (late) J.H. Summerville.

Bernice attended and graduated from Gordo (Oaklane) Colored High School in 1960. She then attended Stillman College (HBCU), took· a 2 year hiatus, and graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Before graduating Stillman College, Bernice met an attractive man who worked hard and sang in a Quartet. His name was James Foster. They married in December of 1964. They both remained in Alabama until James took his brothers advice to move to Chicago, IL. While living with different family members that migrated from Alabama to Chicago, Bernice got a teaching position at Forestville High School and James worked at Automatic Electric, they saved enough money, and purchased a home in 1967 in Maywood, IL.

In the fall of 1967, Bernice went to the West Side of Chicago and began teaching at William Penn Elementary School. Bernice was an amazing teacher to the one's she met and taught. Many students at Penn School adored Bernice, so much; they began calling her "Ma Foster" because she was a mother figure to so many. As she used to say, "Teaching and educating children was her passion, that's why she was so good at it". Bernice commuted to Northern Illinois University (NIU) from Maywood a couple times a week to further her education. She was determined to achieve greater while a wife, a schoolteacher, and an expecting mother. She completed NIU in 1976 with a Master's Degree in Education. In 1998, after 31 years of service with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Bernice retired from what she loved best, "Teaching".

After retirement, Bernice lived and valued life while remaining in Maywood. She bought an organ and would "try" to play it, but always said, "I need lessons" and watched her Westerns. She spent her time with her family, close friends, and most importantly Petrice, her daughter and her adorable granddaughters, Amiah and Addisyn. There was nothing more enjoyable than being a grandmother.

Bernice was a dedicated member of People's Community Church where she served many roles with others in several organizations: The Core Team, Peace Cell Group, Homeless Ministry, and a couple others. Bernice did as much as she wand, when she could when it came to serving God and others.

Bernice is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters. On July 9, 2022, Bernice was called home.

Bernice leaves to cherish her sweet memories: One daughter: Petrice Foster of Aurora, IL; her grandchildren: Amiah and Addisyn Roberts; One sister: Lillie Harris of Cleveland, OH; Three brothers: James H. Summerville (Gloria) of Dillon, SC, Johnny Ray Summerville (Mary) of Gordo, Al, Wendell L. Summerville (Carol) of Tuscaloosa, Al; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, her very dear friend/coworker, Dorothy Shannon, close church family, Christine Kelly and Dr. Barbara Scott, and her neighbors, the Leiva's Family.