Mildred Bennett Foster began teaching music at Jewett Primary School in 1961, becoming the first Black elementary music teacher in Winter Haven.
“She had a passionate smile, naturing nature. She would always give you positive advice, but she was stern,” said Patricia Smith-Fields.
Patricia Smith-Fields took Mrs. Foster’s music class when she was in elementary school. She said she had a way of bringing musical talent out of students who were not musically inclined.
“She made sure all voices, including mine, blended and came out beautiful in the songs that we sang,” said Smith-Fields.
Foster helped thousands of children learn to sing during her more than three decades as a teacher. She also gave private voice and piano lessons at her home, fostering a love of music in many.
“She taught all the students how to read music. She actually taught me how to play the piano. She was very loving, caring, and passionate,” said former student Pamela Musgrove Turner. “When students didn’t have a way home, she would make certain that they had transportation home. When students were hungry, she kept food in her music class,” she said.