Dr. Forrest left high school to raise a family, including husband, Herman Forrest, and their children Deborah Forrest Hernandez, Richard Forrest, John Forrest and William Forrest. The family attended the First Baptist Church at least twice a week, where she was discovered to have a talented singing voice. The church choir director encouraged Dr. Forrest to take further training from a college professor, who then encouraged her to take classes, and ultimately to get a degree from Mary Hardin Baylor in teaching music. She taught music in San Augustine and began work on a Master’s Degree at Stephen F. Austin State University. After graduation, she became a professor at West Texas A&M, and she began work on a PhD at North Texas State University. After she obtained her doctorate degree in music pedagogy, San Augustine awarded her an honorary high school diploma.
Dr. Forrest is survived by Herman Forrest, her four children, nine grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and hundreds of former students and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be William Forrest, Richard Forrest, Richard Forrest II, Robert David Forrest, Jesse Adrian Forrest and Manuel Hernandez, Sr., John Forrest, and Manuel Hernandez, Jr.
Honorary pallbearers will be A.J. Gardner and Joseph Hernandez.
Public visitation will be held at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home, 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches, Thursday, February 13, 2020, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. A graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler, Texas at 11:00am Friday, February 14, 2020.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.
