Jessie Ann Foster

Jessie Ann Smith-Foster of Pittsburgh passed away on October 27th, 2023.

 Jessie was born into this world on May 3rd, 1952, to Mary Smith and Calvin Hines in Pittsburgh, PA. After graduating from George Westinghouse High School in 1970, she left to go to the Job Corps. and worked in several roles within the workforce. Jessie later returned to Pittsburgh to pursue her dreams as a nurse. 

 After attending and graduating Conley Trade School in 1985, she completed her goal of becoming a nurse, started her first nursing job, and kicked off a 20+ year career working on trauma units, in private duty, and with special needs children throughout the years.

Jessie met Larry Foster in 1989, and they united their families in love. Jessie and Larry raised four sons together.

Jessie founded the Northview Heights Tenant Council and changed several lives for members of the impoverished community. Her accolades include meeting with President Bill Clinton and receiving a reward for her activism for people's rights, along with several acts of recognition within the City of Pittsburgh. Jessie obtained the rank of Ensign in the United States Naval Sea Cadets Pittsburgh Batillion, where she served the unit in multiple capacities as the medical officer, admin officer, and cadet instructor. She served her unit with great distinction, earning several accommodations and honoring the Navy customs and courtesies of honor, courage, and commitment, retiring in 2006.

Retirement suited Jessie, where she enjoyed traveling with her husband, spending time with her friends, family, children, and grandchildren, roller skating, and engaging in community activism within the Penn Hills community.

Jessie was predeceased by her mother, Mary Smith, Father Calvin Hines, Uncle Charles Smith, Moran Smith, Johnny Smith, and brother Raymond Smith. She is survived by her husband, Larry Foster, sisters Clevetta Brentley and Lamar Smith, children Charles Smith, Larry, Jerrett, and Jerrod Foster, along with nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

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