News Summary
Nancy Elizabeth Davis Foster, a cherished member of the Chattanooga community and dedicated educator, died at the age of 76 after a courageous fight with cancer. A long-time resident of Chattanooga, she made a significant impact through her teaching and community involvement, leaving behind a legacy of love and service. Family and friends will celebrate her life at a public memorial service, honoring her contributions to education and the community. Nancy is survived by her loving husband and three children, along with extended family.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – Beloved Educator and Community Member Nancy Elizabeth Davis Foster Passes Away at 76
Nancy Elizabeth Davis Foster, a cherished educator and active community member, passed away on May 11, 2025, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, after a brave battle with cancer. She was 76 years old.
Born on October 1, 1948, in Wilmington, Delaware, Nancy was the daughter of Charlie and Daisy Davis. The family relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1953, where she spent the remainder of her life. Nancy graduated from City High School in Chattanooga in 1966 and continued her education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she earned her degree in 1971.
Following her graduation, Nancy embarked on a career in education by teaching second grade at White Oak Elementary School. On August 9, 1975, she married attorney William M. Foster, with whom she moved to Signal Mountain in 1978 after the birth of their first child. As a devoted homemaker and mother, Nancy focused on family for several decades. In 2005, she took on the role of office manager at her husband’s law firm, contributing to the business while still prioritizing her family.
Nancy was a longstanding member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, where she was actively involved in church activities. Beyond her professional and religious commitments, she had varied interests, including traveling, cooking, and gardening, all of which she passionately shared with her family.
Family and Survivors
Surviving Nancy are her husband, Bill, with whom she shared a nearly 50-year marriage. She leaves behind three children: David Foster, who is married to Deborah and has four children—Abigail, Madeline, Jacob, and Sophie—living in Chevy Chase, Maryland; John Foster, married to Megan, from Washington, D.C.; and Rev. Catherine Foster of Atlanta, Georgia.
Additional survivors include her brother, Dr. Charlie Davis, and his wife Barbara, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; sister-in-law Lou Davis of Chattanooga; and nephews and niece: Jennifer Davis (married to Trey); Jonathan Davis (married to Jennifer); Mark Davis; Brent Davis; and Dr. Bradley Davis. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dr. John Davis.
Final Arrangements
Nancy Davis Foster was laid to rest in a private family ceremony at the Good Shepherd Mausoleum at Hamilton Memorial Gardens. A public celebration of her life is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, at 2 p.m. at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, where friends and family are invited to honor her legacy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nancy’s memory to the Northside Neighborhood House, contributing to a cause that embodies her spirit of community service and care.
Arrangements for her funeral were made by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, located at 5401 Highway 153 in Hixson. Family and friends can share their memories and condolences online.
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Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan: Nancy Elizabeth Davis Foster
- Wikipedia: Nancy Davis
- Davis Struempf: Martha Davis
- Google Search: Nancy Elizabeth Davis Foster
- Laughlin Service: Nancy Norton Davis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Richard Davis
- Google News: Nancy Davis Foster
- Knox News: Obituaries
- Google Scholar: Nancy Davis
- Davis Struempf: Martha Nancy Cate
