TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
time he was twelve. While in his teens, he accompanied notable gospel music artists, including Mahalia Jackson and Willie Mae Ford Smith. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, a master's degree from Boston University, and his doctorate from Teachers College Colum- bia University. He completed additional graduate work at Yale University, where he received the prestigious Frances Osbourn Kellogg Counterpoint Prize and the Charles Ditson Award. Garner served his country in the U.S. Army dur- ing the Korean War. For twenty-eight years, Dr. Garner was a beloved professor of music at Southern Connecticut State University, retiring as former Chairman of the Music Depart- ment. He was designated Professor Emeritus and was furthered honored when the University's main recital hall was renamed The Charles Garner Recital Hall. Throughout his career, Dr. Garner made numerous contributions to the arts in musical theater and televi- sion, and through scores of solo recitals, ensemble collaborations and premieres. He also served as Organist/Director of Music for several congregations in the Northeast and Midwest. Among his professional affiliations were: Center for Black Music Research (Charter Member); Connecticut State Music Educators Association; Ameri- can Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP); Leisure World Kiwanis Foundation, Inc.; and Prince Hall Mason 33°. As a composer, he had recently completed an extended musi- cal work based on the Negro spiritual, "Oh Freedom." His choral compositions, which are published by G.I.A. Publish- ers (Chicago), have been presented by soloists and choirs worldwide. Brother Charles Garner was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Judith M. Garner; son, Kevin Garner; daughter, Darchelle M. Garner of Silver Spring, MD; sister Joan (Charles) Moss; and a host of relatives,
James Ethll Foster, Sr. 1930–2018 Educator6
Heritage Memorial Grounds Corpora- tion. He also served on the Community Influence Leaders Roundtable for Ar- lington, TX Chamber of Commerce. A Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Brother Croxton was also a life member of the Morgan State University National Alumni Association, and a chartering member of Delta Mu Boulé, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. Brother Croxton is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Charles E. Croxton. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Joan (nee Gibson) Croxton, his son Harry Maurice Croxton, Jr., two grandsons, Harry Croxton III and Marquese Croxton, cousins, nieces and nephews.
James Ethll Foster, Sr. (Alpha Beta 1951)was born on October 7, 1930 on the eastside of Detroit as the youngest of nine children to Rev. G. Grant Foster and Marie (Early)
Foster.
He graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1948, earned a BA from Wayne State University in Industrial Arts in 1953 and later a Master of Edu- cation from Wayne State. Life Member Foster was a Draftsman for the City of Detroit and later serviced as an assistant principal and Principal in the Detroit School system. Brother Foster was active in the community. James Ethll Foster, Sr. is survived by his wife: Elizabeth Louise Walker Fos- ter; children: Sharon Jett, James Ethll Foster, Jr. (Maria), Jeffrey Grant Foster (Sandra), Jenise Gwynn Jones, Cynthia Foster Schkoor, and Julian Charles Foster (LaTisha); 13 grandchildren: and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mark H. Davis 1971–2019 Human Resources Professional
Mark Henry Davis (Alpha 1991) was born on August 13,1971 to Mary Jean and Luther Davis in Indianapolis, IN. He was the youngest child.
Brother Davis attended Indianapolis Public School #94, where he excelled academically. He graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1989. He attended Indiana University and majored in Economics. Brother Davis is preceded in death by his father: Luther Sr. and brother, Troy Alexander. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife NaTosha; daughter Amaya; mother Mary Jean; sisters Stephanie (William) Brown, Lori Davis and Tiffany Braud; brothers Luther Jr. Keith Lofton and Chris Lofton; a host of other relatives and friends.
Dr. Charles Garner 1931-2019 Musician, Professor, U.S. Army
Composer, musi- cian, and educator Dr. Charles Gar- ner (Alpha Omega 1950) entered the Chapter Invisible on February 12, 2019 at the age of 87. He was born
on July 27, 1931 in Toledo, OH, the fifth of ten children of Plurel and Lucius Garner. As a child prodigy pianist, Gar- ner served as his church musician by the
Publishing achievement for 105 years
THE JOURNAL SPRING ISSUE | 91
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