William Jasper Foster

Life Reflections

William Jasper Foster, affectionately known as “Billy and Dollar Bill,” was born on September 14, 1943, in Elizabeth, New Jersey to the late Woodrow Collis Foster and Mattie Mae Givens-Foster. He was the third of four children and was predeceased by his youngest brother, Richard D. Foster his son, Trell W. Foster and his lifelong best friend/brother James “Butch” Barden. 

Billy attended the Linden Public School System and graduated from Linden High School in 1961. He was baptized at an early age at The Linden Revival Center, formerly located at the corners of St. Georges and Chandler Ave. He became a member of the First Baptist Church in Linden on 12/12/2011 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Derrick R. Dumas.

William was employed by the Continental Can Company in Carteret, NJ for many years, Greif, Inc., Carteret, NJ and finished his career at Sonoco Products Company. After 9 years of service with Sonoco, he retired on 10/1/2012 at the age of 69. Billy wanted to keep busy, so he picked up a “Stop Sign” and reflective clothing and became a school crossing guard. Billy enjoyed sports and was a Diehard Giants Fan and Mets Fan. Billy, like his big brother Woody, had a love for bowling and was an avid bowler. He spent a great deal of time at Federal Lanes in Roselle & Jersey Lanes in Linden, playing in both Bowling Leagues. He traveled to Rochester, NY frequently from 1987 to 2001 with his team “Elite Bowlers” to participate in the Lilac City Bowling Tournaments. When he was unable to bowl anymore, due to health reasons, he would still frequent Jersey Lanes on Saturdays just to hangout and observe other league bowlers. He would first have his usual breakfast at White Diamond on Elizabeth Ave. in Linden where he had the “Billy Special” and then proceeded to Jersey Lanes to have his usual cup of coffee and chop it up with the owner/staff. Anyone that knew Billy, knows he had a hearty, one of a kind, distinct laugh that bellowed even if you didn’t see him. If you couldn’t find Billy in a crowd, just wait for the laugh it would lead you to him!

On Friday, January 31, 2025, at the age of “81” Billy entered into eternal rest at Hackensack Meridian*JFK University Medical Center in Edison, NJ after a short-term illness.

William leaves to cherish fond memories his daughter, Tonya C. Foster (Michael) of Linden, NJ; grandsons, Trell Myers (Autumn) of Rahway, NJ; Troy Myers of Davenport, Iowa; Jared Foster of Charlotte, NC; Tyrell Foster of Somerset, NJ & Taj Foster of Linden, NJ; granddaughters Brytanny Foster of Cameron, NC & Gladys Foster of Georgia; his brother Woodrow C. Foster of London, WV; his sister Priscilla Foster-Hill of Philadelphia, PA; his nieces Natalie N. Hill-Hudson (Kriston) of Monticello, GA; Bonnie J. Hill of Philadelphia, PA; Andrea L. Foster-Spears (George) of Plainfield, NJ; Alanna L. Foster & Ursula L. Foster both of Charlotte, NC; his nephews Eric Foster & Christopher Foster both of London, WV; Wiley T. Hill, Jr. of Dallas, TX & Darian C. Hill (Candance) of Philadelphia, PA and a host of cousins, step grands, and friends.

Humbly Submitted,

The Family