MEET DEBRA
Debra Foster is a lifelong Anniston community leader and realtor, who has dedicated her life to serving others and strengthening her community. She made history as the first African American woman elected to the Anniston City Council and the first African American to serve as Vice Mayor of the City of Anniston.
Debra has spent decades working to improve quality of life for families across Calhoun County. Her leadership includes service on numerous civic and community boards, including the Calhoun County Economic Development Council, the Anniston Zoning Board, the HCACA Hospital Board, and the Executive Committee of the Calhoun County Democrats. She was also involved in community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Calhoun County, Quality of Life Health Services, and the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials.
A dedicated woman of faith, Debra is an active member of First Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as Chairperson of the Trustee Board and Chairperson of the G. E. Smitherman Scholarship Committee.
Debra was also a proud small business owner. She co-owned Anne’s Flower Garden, a family business established in 1976 by her mother, Annie Bell Mitchell-Foster, and previously owned Debra’s Fashions. She currently works as a Realtor with ERA King Real Estate.
Throughout her career, Debra has been recognized for her leadership and service with numerous awards, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, the SCLC Drum Major for Justice Entrepreneur Award, the Vietnam Veterans of America Citizen of the Year Award, and the Jack E. King Teammate of the Year Award from ERA King Real Estate. She has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and honored as an Outstanding Woman of America.
Debra attended Cobb Avenue High School and Jacksonville State University. She enjoys reading, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with her family. She is the daughter of the late Eugene and Annie Foster and is the proud sister of Bishop Vernon Foster and Jemelle Simmons.
Above all, Debra says her greatest accomplishment is accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.