Celesta Fouther

Celesta Marie Fouther was born on July 12, 1930. She was the eldest of three children born to Louis Davis, Sr. and Celesta Robinson Davis. Her brothers, Vincent and Louis, Jr., have both preceded her in death. She was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and lived her earliest years through the U.S. ‘Great Depression.' In Pittsburgh her family lived in the neighborhood named the "Hill District." Pittsburgh columnist Bob Bauder wrote, "it is impossible to know Pittsburgh's black history without telling the story of the Hill District. Wylie Avenue in the Hill District was known as the crossroads of the world for jazz and entertainment during the first half of the twentieth century. Some called it, ‘little Harlem.'"

The influence of that very segregated part of Pittsburgh never lost its impact on Celesta. It may have even contributed to her decision to move to the bustling metropolis of Chicago, Illinois early in her adult life. It was in Chicago that this former Baptist, (she grew up in Ebenezer Baptist Church in Pittsburgh) became a stalwart and faithful member of the Congregational Church of Park Manor, United Church of Christ. She was deeply impressed by the Reverend Dr. William Faulkner's way of leading a meaningful worship service that lasted for only one hour .

It was at the Congregational Church of Park Manor, UCC that she met the love of her life―a former serviceman and student of Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama. That man was James Ellis Fouther, Sr., a tenor soloist in the Chancel Choir. They courted and were married at Park Manor by the Reverend Kenneth Smith (the very same minister who presided over the wedding of her son and daughter-on-law some 30 years later). Celesta enjoyed an active membership there of well over 30 years, serving in many administrative capacities and as a member of the July Circle.

Celesta made life-long friendships, as did James and Valerie, through their involvement with Tots and Teens, a Chicago-based social group for moms and their youth. When not working or engaged with her family, Celesta was also an avid bridge player and belonged to a club that played twice monthly.

The union of James, Sr. and Celesta was blessed by the arrival of two children, James, Jr. (in 1964) and Valerie Celesta (in 1967). When Celesta completed her working career in administration for the City of Chicago Building Department she retired to Miami, Florida where James, Jr. and Angelle lived with their oldest daughter, Danielle, and where her youngest granddaughter was, Daryn, was subsequently born. Valerie also joined the family in Miami as well. All were members of Church of the Open Door, Congregational, United Church of Christ, where James served as Senior Pastor & Teacher. Her years in the sunshine and warm breezes of Miami were followed by several years living in Sarasota, Florida and being an active member of the First Congregational Church, UCC. There she enjoyed the company of many other retirees and kept an active social calendar.

In the summer of 2010, Celesta made her final cross country move to once again join her family in Denver, Colorado. Although her health was in decline, being with her granddaughters always gave her great joy even as she approached the final days of her earthly life. Her whole family will l treasure our time together for Christmas, 2015 when Valerie was able to join the whole family in Denver to celebrate.

Celesta's winning smile and determined personality had a positive impact in every setting in which she lived and with everyone whom she interacted. She will remain in our hearts always as the epitome of the parent who sacrifices mightily for the health, strength, and well-being of her children. She will be missed but never, ever, ever forgotten. Celesta is survived by her son, James (Angelle), daughter, Valerie, granddaughters Danielle and Daryn, as well as many cousins, friends, and spiritual family members.

Do Not Weep For Me

Do not weep for me, for I have lived...

I have joined my hand with my fellows' hands,

to leave the planet better than I found it.

Do not weep for me, for I have loved and been loved by

my family, by those I loved who loved me back

for I never knew a stranger, only friends.

Do not weep for me.

When you feel the ocean spray upon your face,

I am there.

When your heart beats faster at the dolphin's leaping grace,

I am there.

When you reach out to touch another's heart,

as now I touch God's face,

I am there.

Do not weep for me. I am not gone.

Two Memorial Services are planned to honor her life:

In Denver, CO .: 11:00am on Saturday, February 20th, 2016 @ the United Church of Montbello, 4879 Crown Blvd. Denver, CO. 80239

In Chicago, IL. : 10:00am on Saturday, February 27th, 2016 @ the Congregational Church of Park Manor, United Church of Christ, 7000 S. King Drive, 60637.

All are welcome at either or both celebrations of Celesta's life, well-lived!