Celia Thompson Foster

Celia Thompson Foster, 85, of Bellevue, TN departed this earthly life on September 30th, 2023.

Celia Dianne Thompson was born to James Allison and Reba Claire Thompson in Maury County, TN on October 26th, 1937. She was an active participant in the 4-H Club, Future Homemakers of America, and Girls State. She excelled in sewing, cooking, and room improvement, receiving many honors for her work. She was Salutatorian of Culleoka High School Class of ‘55.

Also in 1955, Celia married William Sparky Foster. In 1967, Celia and Sparky became two of the founding members of Bellevue Church of Christ, where she remained an active member throughout her life.

In 1972, Celia and Sparky began restoring Belle Vue II, one of the oldest homes in Bellevue. She restored her home with the goal of preserving its history and sharing it with others. She shared her gifts through hosting many friends and guests in her home.  Her talents included being a gracious hostess, a wonderful cook, skilled seamstress, an avid flower gardener, and collecting and refinishing furniture. Her love of antiques later led to the opening of the Country Place Antique Shop in Bellevue. Her greatest desire was to pass on to her children and grandchildren her hospitality, her love for her family, and, most importantly, her love for the Lord and His church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James Allison and Reba Claire Thompson. She is survived by her children, Bill (Marcia) Foster, LeAnne (Kevin) Hale, and Lindy (Joe) Gill; grandchildren, Allen Foster, Emilie (Whit) Hamilton, Anna (Kyle) Sitzler, Ethan (McKenzie) Foster, McClure Gill, and Jane Claire Gill; great grandchildren, Charlie Hamilton and Henry Hamilton; brothers, James Allison (Rebecca) Thompson and Albert Jackson (Patsy) Thompson.

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her loyal friends, the loving staff at NHC, and her compassionate caregivers for helping us walk our beloved “Mom” home. 

Visitation with the family will be at Bellevue Church of Christ on Saturday, October 7th from 11am-2pm and Sunday, October 8th from 12:30pm-2pm with a Celebration of Life to follow.  Private burial will be at the DeMoss Family Cemetery near Belle Vue II where she made her home for more than 50 years. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements and condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.

The family would cherish any memories that you would like to share with them. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bellevue Church of Christ.