Obituary of Theresa Eliza Forrest

Theresa Eliza (Levy) Forrest, 89, went home to be with the Lord on August 14, 2024, at Inspira Medical Center, Vineland, New Jersey, following a brief illness. She was born April 9, 1935, in Porus Scott Pass, Parrish of Manchester, Jamaica, West Indies. Theresa was a devoted, selfless, compassionate, forgiving, patient and God-fearing woman. She instilled a lot of wisdom and knowledge into anyone that would listen to her. One of her favorite pastimes was watching the game show, “Family Feud,” hosted by Steve Harvey. She would always say, “Read your books and get your education…no one can take that away from you.” Theresa’s smile would brighten any room, and her laugh was contagious. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and cook. She was also well loved and respected by her children, nephews, nieces and friends. In her younger years, Theresa attended All Age School in Toll Gate Manchester, Jamaica. After school she entered the workforce, selling fruits and vegetables. Theresa met the love of her life, Simon, at a market stand. The two were inseparable from the moment they met. Simon worked for the West Indies Sugar Company, which gave him the opportunity to migrate to the United States. Simon’s migration brought Theresa and their two eldest children to the United States in 1970. Theresa worked in the fields as a farm laborer picking strawberries, blueberries and tomatoes to raise enough money to bring her four other children from Jamaica to the United States. She also worked in a chicken factory for several years until she became disabled. In March 1974, Theresa accomplished her goal, and her entire family was once again united. Theresa was also a good daughter and frequently went home, traveling back and forth to Jamaica, to take care of and provide for her parents. Proverbs 31:23-31 says this about a virtuous woman, “Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; And delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty in vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” Theresa was the epitome of a virtuous woman…standing by her husband helping to provide for their family. One of the happiest moments of her life was when she got baptized at St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Theresa is survived by; her beloved seven children, sons, Leroy Forrest of Seabrook, New Jersey, Wayne Forrest of Bridgeton, New Jersey, Ashley Forrest (Sabrina) of Lawnside, New Jersey; daughters, Shirley Jones (Andrew) of Warwick, Rhode Island, Meleita Forrest of Providence, Rhode Island, Daidre Kernan (Stephen) of Bridgeton, New Jersey, Karlene Forrest of Sicklerville, New Jersey; and sister-in-law, Winniebell Thomas of Bronx, New York. She was blessed to have 21 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She also raised 5 grandchildren; Clarence Forrest (Lesley) of Portland, Oregon, Christopher Forrest (Melody) of Providence, Rhode Island, Jerome Forrest of Bridgeton, New Jersey, Antwone Forrest (Rae’Nell) of Denbo, Pennsylvania and Dante Forrest of Sicklerville, New Jersey. She is also survived by; two special cousins, Lorraine Levy-Dwyer of Toronto, Canada and Eleta Levy of Scott Pass, Parish of Manchester, Jamaica. She was preceded in death by; her loving husband, Simon T. Forrest; parents, George and Matilda (Beckford) Levy; son, George Thomas Forrest; two daughters, Evelyn Forrest and Leriene Forrest; two brothers, Ian (Bartel) Beckford and Alfonso Levy; two sisters, Lucille A. Ismay (Randolph) and Iris Richard (Noel); granddaughter, Daidre A. Mercado; great-grandson, RayShon Walker and best friend, Evadney Pryce. We will always carry her loving memory in our hearts! Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11 AM at St. Phillip's Missionary Baptist Church, 275 Richardson Ave., Bridgeton. Friends will be received at the church from 9 AM to 11 AM prior to the service. Interment will take place at Greenwood Memorial Park, 10th St. and E. Broad St., Millville following the service. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website www.padgettfuneralhomes.com. Lovingly Submitted, The Family