Obituary

In loving memory of Mary Garrison Foster who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025. She was a cherished woman who was known for her warm smile and gentle heart. Mary’s life was a testament to her deep love for family, a strong faith in the Lord and member of First Baptist Church Swannanoa, a genuine outreach for Missions through sewing and textiles, and the joy she found in watching Atlanta Braves Baseball and Gunsmoke. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know this kind and devoted soul.

Throughout her career, Mary worked in the office at Beacon Manufacturing, she was a seamstress at Buster Brown, owned and operated Swannanoa Flower Shop, and retired from Highland Farms. She was also a member of the Swannanoa Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and Eastern Star.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Dallas and Nell Roland Martin; husbands, Gene Garrison and Paul “Dutch” Foster; and sister, Barbara Ward.

Those left to cherish Mary’s memories are her sons, Luke “Lewis” Garrison and his wife, Donna; and Jeff Foster and his wife, Tina; grandchildren, Karah Wilson and her husband, Chris, Adam Garrison and his wife, Ivy, Eli Foster, and Tony Torres; great grandchildren, Quentin Wilson, Talon Garrison, Kamryn Garrison, and Levi Garrison; special friends, AJ Caswell and Lili Caswell; like a sister, Judy Grandstaff Roberts; and like a son, John McIntosh.

The family will receive friends Friday, July 18, 2025, 11:00am to 12:00pm at Harwood Home for Funerals. A celebration of life service will immediately follow at 12:00pm at the funeral home with Fred Marsh and Rev. Ben Heise of Holly Springs Baptist Church officiating. The burial will be in Mountain View Memorial Park. The pallbearers will be Luke Garrison, Jeff Foster, Adam Garrison, John McIntosh, Eli Foster, and Tony Torres.

In lieu of flowers the family would like for donations to go to the Local Missions at Pole Creek Baptist Church, https://polecreek.churchcenter.com/giving/to/mary-foster-memorial-missions.