Obituary of Simon T. Forrest

Simon Theodore Forrest, 80, went home to be with the Lord, on Sunday, October 19th at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland, NJ, following a brief illness. Simon was born February 18, 1934, in Longwood District, Parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies to Theophilus Forrest and Mary Maud Bartley and a special step-mother Rhonda Forrest (Aunt Maude). Simon is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Theresa Levy of Bridgeton. From their union, Simon and Theresa have seven children; Leroy Forrest of Seabrook, NJ; Wayne Forrest of Bridgeton, NJ; Ashley Forrest and (Sabrina) of Lawnside, NJ; Shirley Jones (Andrew) of Warwick, Rhode Island; Meleita Forrest of Providence, RI; Daidre Kernan (Stephen) of Bridgeton, NJ; and Karlene Forrest of Sicklerville, NJ; a brother, Ninroy Forrest of Longwood District, Jamaica; and a sister Winniebell Thomas of Bronx, NY., 21 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theophilus Forrest and Mary Maud Bartley and his step-mother Rhoda Forrest (Aunt Maude); three children, George Forrest, Evelyn Forrest and Lerlene Forrest; 4 brothers, Septiutims, Clovis, Rudols and Samuel; and one sister, Myrtle; and a granddaughter, Daidre Mercado. Simon was born and raised in Longwood District, and attended Alley Elementary School. He met his lifelong sweetheart, Theresa, after he caught her attention while she was shopping at a fruit market, which was a popular place for merchants to sell their produce. The two were inseparable after the moment they met. Simon worked for the West Indies Sugar Company, which gave him an opportunity to migrate to the United States. He took advantage of the opportunity to migrate to the United States. He took advantage of the opportunity to move his wife and six of his seven children from Jamaica and he was not ashamed to tell anyone he met how proud he was to have the opportunity to move his family to America for a better life. Ashley, the youngest of the seven was born in Bridgeton where the family settled. Simon worked for several farming industries in the United States, and would later work for Kimbles Glass, Inc. in Vineland where he retired where he retired after working for 30 years. He was most proud of the home he built for his family, and the work ethic he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He always had a story to tell about his faith in God, and an encouraging word for everyone he met. Simon did not sit around after retiring from work by any means. He volunteered as a mentor to prisoners at South Woods State Prison for over 10 years, and was chosen as “Volunteer of Year” in 2008 by the institution. He also enjoyed gardening, and he maintained his own vegetable and flower gardens. His pride and joy was sharing and spending time with his wife Theresa and his “grandchildren and great-grandchildren:” Funeral services will be held at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp. on Saturday, October 25th at 11 AM. Interment will take place at Greenwood Memorial Park. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 9 AM to 11 AM prior to the services. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com .