Claire “Elaine” Arrington began her earthly journey in Birmingham, Alabama on November 15, 1942. She was the second eldest born to the late Johnnie Mae (Cato) Foster and the late Robert B. Foster.  Elaine completed her earthly journey on December 23, 2023. She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, sister, Sadie (Foster) Jackson, brother, James “Jimmy” Foster, and brother, John Robert “Bobby” Foster.

As a young girl, Elaine moved with her family to Moon Township, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh) and was raised in a household in which she was nurtured in the fear and admonition of the Almighty God. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior. Through church, she developed a yearning to learn more about the Bible and the ministry of serving others. Elaine often said that she knew service was part of her life purpose and embraced it for the duration of her life.

Elaine also excelled academically as she was known to be a quick study, insightful and possessed listening skills second to none. She grew up attending school in the Moon Township School District and graduated from Moon Township High School. With an interest in the sciences, Elaine would pursue a major in disciplinary studies around medical technology and graduate from Carnegie Mellon University.

While living in Erie, Pennsylvania, Elaine met the love of her life, Reverend Olen Arrington Jr.  The couple was united in marriage on October 14, 1967, in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania at Presbyterian Church-Coraopolis. They remained married until Reverend Arrington’s death in June 2010. The couple settled in Waukegan, Illinois and Kenosha, Wisconsin for the past forty years, carrying out life purposes of serving their communities through church and many civic organizations.

Elaine’s service commitments to the community often focused on a mix of hospitality, education, faith, and equity.  A glimpse of her work included serving as a southeastern Wisconsin district leader for the SHARE Food Program, a committed elections poll worker in the cities of Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, extensive Christian education leader and teacher, and a member of the American Association of University Women.

Elaine’s ultimate service, however, was always to her home and family. She absolutely adored the role of being a homemaker and was a renowned cook, known for her pastas, and desserts (especially her sweet potato pies). She also loved interior design and would spend countless hours decorating her home (and many others).

Treasured memories of Elaine’s life are left to her son, David Arrington (LaVetta), Kenosha, Wisconsin; daughter, Angela Arrington, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; sister, Mary E. Ammon (Gary), Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania; sister, Linda Henderson, Evansville, Indiana; sister, Patricia Washington, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; brothers Jeffrey T. Foster, Chandler, AZ; Mark A. Foster, Pittsburgh, PA;  Jason M. (Viva) Foster, M.D., Omaha, Nebraska; four grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Elaine will be remembered as wonderful woman that will always be loved, missed, and deeply cherished.

Service Info

A Circle of Life Celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 6, 2024 at Greater Mt Eagle Baptist Church in Racine, 929 State Street, Racine, WI.

A graveside service will be held on January 9, 2024 in Beaver Meadows Cemetery in Heidelberg, Mississippi.