Robert DeVarde Foston

Robert was born October 12, 1956, in Jacksonville, Florida to Johnny B. Foston, Sr. and Edith Burney Foston. He grew up in the Mixontown section of Jacksonville and attended public schools in Duval County, graduating from Robert E. Lee Senior High School class of 1974. At an early age Robert accepted Christ and was baptized at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church.  

Always a hard worker, Robert began working at age 16 for W. W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc. He quickly exceled in his knowledge of the job and became a Foreman in the Pipe Shop.  

In 1974, Robert joined Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 821. He worked diligently until his retirement in 2012. During his employment, he trained many Apprentices in the field of Sprinkler System Installation. He was very proud of his work in fire protection and often evaluated and commented about sprinkler fittings in public buildings. Robert remained an active participate in union duties until his death.

Robert was married to Eva Foston on December 2, 2000. Together they nurtured their children, grandchildren, great-grands, other family members and many friends. Their home was a gathering place for friends and family to relax and enjoy. He was very talkative, and you would always know when he was in the crowd. Eva preceded him to glory on August 22, 2023.

Robert was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Conchita Allen; sister, Sandra Foston; and brother, Johnny B. Foston, Jr.

His memories will be cherished by a loving family and many friends: daughters, Tiffani Foston and Konasha Wilcox (Mark); grandchildren, Esteban Burroughs, Pierra Burroughs, Quindares Sampson, Kaniyia Mable, Tamia Foston and Kiyomi Wilcox; great grandchildren, Tyquan Burroughs, Kimbreah Burroughs, Zha’yun Burroughs, and Zha’Yunna Burroughs; sisters, Juanita Simmons and Wanda Foston; nieces and nephews, John Simmons, III (Melody), Eugene Foston, Dean Foston (Patrizia), Javon Bryant, Dion Bryant (Laresha), Keith Gallon (Janice), Tavia Simmons, Kimberly Gallon (Lindsay) and Shanika Eason (Petrick); father-in-law, Lonnie Ervin, Sr.; sisters-in-law, Kimiko Foston, Sara Doe, Amy Huffman (Bernard), Claretha Ritter, Verna Rivers, Carolyn Griffin (Michael), Althea Logan (Carl) and Vanessa Jones (Carl); brothers-in-law, Lonnie Ervin, Jr. (Cynthia) and Fitzgerald Ritter; goddaughter, Tia Mitchell; godbrother, Donald Gaffney (Tracy); and a host of great nephews, great nieces, cousins and many special friends.

Robert was genuinely loved by everyone who knew him and will truly be missed.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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