Dr. Steve Isaiah Foreman Jr.

THE LIFE & LEGACY OF A WISE FATHER

Dr. Steve Isaiah Foreman, Jr.

1 Corinthians 4:15 NIV

Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

Life with His Father

Steve Isaiah Foreman, Jr. was born in Petersburg, Virginia, on August 30, 1937. Steve, was the eldest of four boys born to the late Steve, Sr. and Roulette Foreman. He was promoted to Glory on August 11, 2026, at age 88, just three weeks shy of 89. Growing up, Steve was an active boy who played outside a lot at the train tracks. Steve was educated in the Petersburg Public School system where he attended Peabody High School, playing the trombone in the school band. To avoid having to cut the grass all the time, Steve joined the U.S. Navy in 1954 at age 17. He served for 4 years as a seaman, stationed aboard 2 Naval Ship Destroyers, the USS Monssen out of New Port, Rhode Island and the USS Kraus in Norfolk. Upon honorable discharge in 1958, he returned home with the dream of buying a tug boat and starting his own business.

Life as a Natural Father

Divine providence had a different plan. He met the lovely and saved to the bone young lady named Olivia from Richmond, when her car broke down in Petersburg. Steve and his friends came to her rescue, and the rest, as they say, is history! Olivia’s powerful testimony led Steve to give his life to the Lord, and he relocated to Richmond to marry his beloved Beatrice Olivia Anderson on June 25, 1960. To support his new family, Steve worked tirelessly, often holding three jobs at once, including a position at Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company and as a bus boy at a local restaurant. Early on, he did not have a car, so he walked daily to and from work. He would joke about using the “pat and turner” mode of transportation. He was patting the souls of his shoes on the pavement and turning corners. This is a testament to his humility and perseverance.

A devoted father, Steve had five children—Steve, III, (Adrian) Gary, Tonya, Kimberly, and Monique. He established their family on N. 24th Street in Church Hill, then later relocated them to Glen Allen. He was happily married to his wife for 64 years before her passing. Added to the family were 10 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

Steve was a great father to his children. Even after working long shifts, he still found time to spend with his family, taking them to fun events such as the circus, the state fair, and the international food festival. Even with 5 children and on a limited budget, he found a way to take his family on vacations every year which continued all the way up until a month before his passing. He would often bring home sweet treats such as pinwheels, chocolate ginger snaps, twinkies, and ice cream! Every Friday night was TV and movie night and was always accompanied by a large brown paper grocery bag full of stove top pop corn and Pepsi Ice Cream Floats. Every Christmas, it was his tradition to make goulash and chocolate ice box pies for family dinner instead of a traditional Christmas meal.

Most importantly, he raised his children up in the admonition of the Lord. He challenged them to recite a new Bible verse every evening before dinner. He took his children to church and taught them the Word of God at home. He lived the life at home that he taught and preached about in public.

A Father’s Fire

In 1961, Steve joined the Richmond Fire Department as a fire fighter, facing significant racism and isolation. Undeterred, he used his time at the firehouse to study firefighting protocols diligently. His perseverance and favor led him to be chosen as the voice of “Sparky,” the fire dog, where he educated the community on fire prevention. His dedication culminated in a historic promotion in 1973, when he became the first Black Fire Inspector for the City of Richmond.

He balanced work life and working in ministry well. While building his career, Steve was building his family and his faith. In 1959, he joined the Church of God and True Holiness and was ordained a deacon. When his pastor, Elder John Robinson of Buffalo, New York, retired, faithful Deacon Foreman was ordained an Elder and took over as pastor of the Richmond church in 1963.

He served the Richmond community well, and was even on the boards of the Boys Club of Richmond and more recently, Henrico PAL (Police Athletic League). Feeling a strong call to full-time ministry, he retired from the Fire Department after 14 years of service in 1975. In 1976, he and his wife founded the Abundant Life Church of Christ (ALCC). Pastor Foreman led well and made innovative moves. A true visionary, Pastor Foreman purchased and remodeled the “Old Sidney School” building on Blair Street in Richmond’s West End. He also implemented Praise and Worship and the church grew with standing room only in the early 1980s. In 1996, Pastor Foreman oversaw the construction of the Neale Street facility, in Eastern Henrico.

Under his leadership, ALCC became a thriving, innovative, non-denominational fellowship in Richmond for decades. He and Lady ‘O’ spread the Gospel through popular radio and television broadcasts in the 1990’s. He was a very pioneering, wise, caring and hospitable pastor. He and his wife served exceptionally in pastoral ministry for over 53 years.

Pastor Foreman earned an Associate Degree in Christian Science, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1987 and two (2) Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degrees, the latest given in August 2007. After displaying thorough knowledge of the Scripture and many years of preparation and experience in the ministry, he was later ordained an Apostle in 1993.

Life as a Spiritual Father

He and his wife traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally, ministering at churches, conferences, and seminars. He spearheaded the successful operation of far-reaching ministries and long lasting conferences such as the Men of Destiny and the Power-Filled Women. Under the corporate umbrella of Abundant Life Ministries, many effective ministries and community services were set in operation. Apostle Foreman served as the spiritual father and covering to many pastors and their churches locally and worldwide. In 2004, he established the Christian Apostolic Network (C.A.N.) to mentor and guide pastors.

C.A.N. is a fellowship of churches and its pastors and as Chief Apostle, Dr. Foreman provided support, training, counseling, and encouragement to senior pastors. Apostle Foreman’s influence and leadership reached across the seas on the mission field to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, spread the gospel and bring deliverance in South Africa, Kenya, South America, Guyana, Trinidad and beyond. In 2016, he and Lady O installed their son, Gary Foreman, as senior pastor.

Dr. Foreman had the heart of a father with a deep love and loyalty to the Kingdom of God. He exemplified humbleness, patience and a servant’s heart. His full head of gray hair was a symbol of his wisdom and counsel that he shared over the many years. This powerful preacher and masterful teacher operated in the gifts of prophecy, word of knowledge, healing and deliverance with miracles, signs and wonders following.

Life Lessons from a Wise Father

Dr. Foreman was dedicated to spreading the Gospel by sharing the unadulterated Word of God, line upon line, and precept upon precept. His ministry touched so many lives as evident by the excellent foundation and spiritual growth his congregants received and the many leaders he has developed.

He often imparted wisdom with a joke, understanding that laughter is good medicine. He was a man of his word. You could “take it to the bank.” He loved the fellowship of the saints, and especially when the brothers got together. You would often hear him proclaim the encouraging phrases, “But God!”, “Do the Word.” and “Keep looking up! Your help is nigh.”

Apostle Foreman was a man of unwavering faith and positivity. He has always said that he never wants to rust out. He’d rather ware out. Despite numerous health challenges, he maintained a cheerful demeanor, exclaiming, “I’m good!” until the very end.

A Father’s Legacy

Apostle Foreman was preceded in death by his beloved wife: Dr. Olivia A. Foreman; his parents: Steve, Sr. & Roulette Foreman, In-Laws: Creade & Mabel Anderson; his oldest daughter: Tonya F. Edgerton; his daughter-in-law: Bonnie M. Foreman; his grandson: Ayden J. Foreman; his sibling: James Foreman (Winnie); his sister-in-law: Annette Foreman; his good friends: George L. Randolph (Rebecca) & Prophet Earl T. Fries.

He leaves behind a profound legacy to be carried forward by:

• His Children — Steve Foreman, III, Adrian Gary Foreman (LaTanya), Kimberly F. Smith (Otis) & Monique Folston (Ira)
• Son-in-Law – Isaac Edgerton
• Grandchildren – Joshua Edgerton (Alicia), Aaron Edgerton, Matthew Edgerton, Timothy Edgerton, DeJon Moore, Kyler Smith, Olivia L. Foreman, Nyah Folston & Zoe Folston
• Great Granddaughter — Yara Camille Edgerton
• Brothers – Paul Foreman & George Foreman (Brenda)
• Brother & Sister-in-Law – Levi Braye & Fern Anderson
• Devoted Adopted Son & Daughter – Warren ‘Billy’ Smith & Cornelia ‘Andie’ Miles
• A host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins & extended Family
• Along with dedicated church family and friends

The Conclusion of the Matter

From Brother, to Deacon, Pastor, Apostle, Dr., and Chief Apostle, Steve Isaiah Foreman faithfully served his family, community, and God’s Kingdom. A true Giant in the Faith and mighty General in the Kingdom, he finished his course with triumphant faith and joy. He leaves a lasting legacy of faith, leadership, and love. Well done, Chief Apostle Foreman. Enter the Lord’s rest and receive your crown.

Talk to ya!

Remains rest at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home, 2011 Grayland Avenue, where Dr. Foreman can be viewed on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 10:00am to 8:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, 11:00am, at Walnut Grove Baptist Church, 7046 Cold Harbor Road, where remains will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral time. Apostle Vincent Wyche, Eulogist. Interment, Signal Hill Memorial Park. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the church at 10:45am on Saturday.

Online condolences can be made at www.jenkinsjr.com.