Joel F. Foster

Dr. Joel F. Foster, 66, of Pine Bluff, entered Heaven on July 17, 2022, from complications due to Alzheimer's. He was born in Lake Village, Ark., on April 5, 1956, to the late Morrell and Elizabeth Toler Foster. He is also preceded in death by brothers, Howard and Guy Thomas Foster. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Beth Steed; brother, Bobby Foster (Joann) of Wilmot; sister-in-law, Paulette Smith of Dumas, Sandra Poe of Gould, Betty Ruth Foster and Barbara Foster both of Hamburg; brother-in-law, Rick Steed (Brenda) of Bryant; and many nephews and nieces. Joel was a charter member of Summit Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School teacher and chair of the Finance Committee. His love and passion was being a member of Summit Singers and many times one could hear his beautiful tenor voice above the rest. He graduated as Valedictorian from Portland High School, Portland, Ark., in 1973, University of Arkansas-Monticello in 1977, and University of Missouri-Kansas City Dental School in 1982. At that time, Joel moved to Pine Bluff where he practiced dentistry for 35 years. He retired for health reasons in 2017. At one time, Joel was an avid tennis player, but eventually put down the racket and picked up the golf club. He and Beth set a personal goal of golfing in all fifty states of which forty three were completed. Many memories were made on medical/dental mission trips to Guatemala, Honduras, and Romania. He loved to help others and made a difference in the lives of so many people. A special thanks is extended to Area Agency on Aging and caregiver, Ms. Freddie Taylor, and to The Greenhouse Cottages of Southern Hills in Rison for their care while he battled Alzheimer's. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Brother Todd Anderson and Brother Tom Hart officiating. Interment will follow the service at Trinity Cemetery in Star City. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Robinson's. Memorials can be made to Summit Baptist Church Music Ministry, 901 Ridgway Road, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71603. Online register: www.RalphRobinsonandSon.com