Patsy "Pat" Simpson Foster

Patsy S. (Pat) Foster, a devoted mother, servant of her community, and woman of unwavering faith, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, at the age of 92.

 

Born and raised in Concord, North Carolina, her deep-rooted faith and commitment to others were instilled early - shaped by her upbringing as the daughter of a humble Baptist minister and his wife (Momma Simpson). Pat’s compassion for those in need and her strong sense of family were further molded by her formative years having gone through the Great Depression—a time that taught her resilience, gratitude, and the importance of giving.

 

A graduate of Concord High School, Class of 1951, she was accepted to Appalachian State where she hoped to become a teacher. It was in her first semester that plan was altered, when she met her future husband, William Foster. Together, they built a home full of love, raising six children with dedication and joy. Tragically, in 1963, Pat lost William in an automobile accident. At just 30 years of age, with six young children to raise, she embodied grace and strength, dedicating herself fully to their upbringing.

 

Her children’s lives were marked by her presence - be it as a homeroom mother, PTA president, or friendly face behind the concession stand. She was often spotted aboard the school activity bus, cheering her children on and supporting their endeavors.

 

After raising her family, Pat embraced life’s next chapter with an adventurous heart. In 1979, she met Max Gergel, her beloved companion of 38 years. Together, they traveled the world, savoring every moment until his passing in 2017.

 

Pat remained a passionate community servant throughout her life. As a member of The Golden K Kiwanis, she championed character-building programs in schools. At the Salvation Army Shelter, she offered encouragement and compassion to those working through recovery—never seeing others by their struggles, but by their potential.

 

Pat’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Bradley Word and his dedicated team for their compassionate care over the years. They also wish to thank the staff and residents of Presbyterian Community, where Pat spent her final year surrounded by genuine love and kindness. In her final weeks, that care was extended with the same kindness through Abbey Road Hospice.

 

Pat Foster’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched—with every child she raised, every hand she held, and every soul she inspired through her quiet strength and deep compassion. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

 

Pat is survived by daughters: Susan (Larry) Wise of Blythewood, SC, Elise (Michael) Morgan of Pawley’s Island, SC, Tissy (Ken) Mathews of Lexington, SC, Wendy (Skittles) Foster of Murrells Inlet, SC, and sons: Ned (Linette) Foster of Summerville, SC, and William “Z” (Vicki) Foster of Emerald Isle, NC. She was also blessed with 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.  

 

She was preceded in death by her husband William Lynch Foster, parents John and Ruth Simpson, brothers John Wesley and Gerald Simpson, and sisters Becky Livengood and Ellna Wilson.

 

The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia SC, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 10:00am, followed by a private graveside service. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in her memory to either:

 

Presbyterian Community

700 Davega Dr

Lexington, SC 29073

https://giving.prescommunities.org/

 

or

 

Kiwanis Kids at https://www.kiwaniskids.org/