Habersham County is mourning the loss of well-known businesswoman and broadcaster, Bobbie Foster. She passed away Monday at the age of 87.
Bobbie was the co-owner and manager of WCON Radio in Cornelia. She and her husband, former state senator John Foster, bought the station in 1961 and, under her management, grew it from a small Class A radio station to the 100,000 watt powerhouse it is today.
Managing a radio station at a time when most were run by men, Foster carved out a legacy for herself in the broadcast industry. She earned multiple awards from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters and was inducted into the GAB Hall of Fame in 2015.
True to her roots
Before she entered broadcasting, Bobbie Foster was a singer and school teacher. According to her obituary, she and her siblings sang gospel music in churches and auditoriums throughout the southeast, including at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and recording for RCA Victor.
After graduating from Piedmont College, Foster taught at several schools, including Clarkesville Elementary and South Habersham High School. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Georgia.
Upon learning of her death, former students recalled their time with her in school.
Foster taught Marie Dean in the 5th grade. “She was a real sweet teacher,” Dean recalls.
Barbara Parker recalls, “She was my high school English teacher and I loved her.”
Throughout her life, Foster stayed true to her musical roots. In addition to overseeing one of the largest radio stations in Northeast Georgia, she also served as a church organist. Foster played for several different churches before becoming the organist for First Baptist Church of Cornelia, where she served 58 years.
Many remember Bobbie Foster for her tireless work ethic and dedicated service to the church and the local community. She served Habersham County in a variety of ways, including through various civic organizations.
Her family says, “Her passion was serving God, her family, and music, and she had a long life well-lived.”
Survivors include her husband of 63 years, sons and daughters-in-law Clayton and Kimberly Foster, David and Leslie Foster, and five grandchildren.
Funeral services are scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, at Level Grove Baptist Church. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
Bobbie Carpenter Foster obituary
