Venessa G. "Mom" Feagins-Foster

Venessa G. Feagins-Foster, age 92, departed this life on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Paramount Senior Living in Westerville, Ohio.

Venessa, lovingly known as “Mom”, was born in Danville, Virginia, to Thomas and Gertrude Witcher Bailey. At the age of five, she relocated with her family to Youngstown, Ohio, where she was raised and later built a life centered on service, faith, and family.

She was a proud graduate of The Rayen School and Youngstown State University. Venessa began her working career as a cook, serving in various restaurants, daycare centers, and clubs throughout the Youngstown area. She later began a long and meaningful career with the Mahoning County Department of Jobs and Family Services, where she worked faithfully until her retirement.

Following her retirement, she continued her commitment to serving others by working as the Director of the Ronald McDonald House. She also served as Director of Seniors Teaching & Reaching Students (STARS), where she recruited seniors to volunteer as literacy tutors throughout the Youngstown Public School System and organized book drives to provide free books for students.

Venessa was a devoted woman of faith and an active member of Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church in Youngstown and later Friendship Baptist Church in Girard, Ohio.

She was united in marriage to Frank Foster in 1990, and they remained together until his passing in December 2008.

In June 2009, Venessa relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana, where she resided until April 2023. During her years in Louisiana, she enjoyed attending the Caddo Council on Aging Senior Centers, where she became affectionately known as the “Bean-Bag Baseball Queen.” She was also an active member of New Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church in Shreveport.

Venessa found joy in reading, especially her Bible, and enjoyed traveling, cooking, watching game shows, completing crossword and word search puzzles, and quilting. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family and friends. In May 2023, she returned to Ohio to reside in the Sunbury/Westerville area.

Venessa possessed a servant’s heart and a deeply caring spirit. She was lovingly referred to as “Mom” by many whose lives she touched.

To mourn her passing and rejoice in her life, she leaves to cherish her memory her children, Bruce Feagins of Centerville, Ohio, Michael (Cathy) Feagins of Clover, South Carolina, Avis Thompson of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Lisa (Gary) Powell of Sunbury, Ohio. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren, Gabrielle Foster of Akron, Ohio, Marquisha Reynolds of Sunbury, Ohio, Mark (Maria) Reynolds of Las Vegas, Nevada, Ryan (Megan Sharlike) Reynolds of Westerville, Ohio; Micalise Johnson of Austintown, Ohio, Bruce Evan (Elizabeth) Feagins of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Erica Feagins of Marysville, Ohio; along with 15 great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank Foster; her son-in-law, Ivan Thompson; her favorite cousin, Mary Nell Thomas; her beloved furry companion, Snowball and many cherished friends who have gone on before her.

Venessa’s life was a testament to faith, service, love, and dedication to others. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be Monday, February 16, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Friendship Baptist Church, 111 Water Street, Girard, OH.  A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 12:00 noon.

Ministry of comfort, love and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Venessa G. "Mom" Feagins-Foster, please visit our floral store.