Mary Lee Forbes

Mother Mary Lee Forbes, age 88, went home quietly and peacefully to be with Our Lord and Savior on January 2, 2023, in Concord, California. Mary was born on October 7, 1934 in Bastrop, Louisiana. She was the fourth child of five born to Mattie Putney and Andrew King.

Mary’s early childhood education was in the Louisiana State School Districts. At an early age, Mary left the state of Louisiana and moved to Denver Colorado, where she had two unions of marriage which produced eleven children.

In 1969, after a heartbreaking second divorce, Mary, moved with her children to Seaside, California. It was here that she created her home for the next 45 years. While in Seaside, she met and married the final “Love of her Life”, Roy L. Forbes, who preceded her in death on April 25, 2020, after 45 years of marriage.

Mary worked at various companies in the nursing, cooking and housekeeping fields. She eventually settled in with “United Artist Company.” In 2010, after three decades of service to the Weiner family, she retired.

Mary rediscovered her relationship with Christ and joined the Victory Temple Church – now known as Greater Victory Temple COGIC, under the leadership of the late Bishop S.R. Martin and Bishop W.W. Hamilton. Mary was dedicated to the call of God on her life and was later “Licensed as a Missionary.” While attending the church, Mary served in various capacities, but best known for: starting the first Church Nursery and Women’s Choir president. In her service to the church, God enhanced her special talent - the gift of “Hospitality.”

Mary had a love for people, and you were never a stranger in her presence. She had a special way of taking the wilted flowers and loving them back to life, she had a big heart and even though she had a full house there was always room for “an extra or two” whom she took in as her own.

One of Mary’s special passions was her care and concern for the “Senior Mothers.” This love was shown every year at the “PRE-MOTHER’S DAY” dinner for all senior mothers aged 65 and older on the Peninsula. Those dinners became legendary.

She was an exceptional cook, many can attest to her Fried Chicken, Gumbo, Buttermilk pies, and Hot Water cornbread. There was seldom an empty seat at her table, and all were welcome. She was also known for her decorating skills and could set up a room and table like no other. She taught many of us those same skills and always represented with a spirit of “Excellence.” She was known for her love of Fashion, Traveling and Cooking, and she was a “REAL DIVA” before we even knew what that was.

She always had to have the “Last Word” and when you were in her presence there was never a dull moment, she could talk on all subjects from Religion, Sports to politics and she knew her stuff!!!

Mary loved her Seaside community, and she served in various auxiliaries and was a very proud voting poll worker. She was a strong advocate for equal right for all and never was afraid to speak her mind. Like many African-Americans of her generation the election of Barack Obama was a milestone in her life.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband: Roy L. Forbes, parents; Mattie Putney and Andrew King, three sisters: Lena Mae Woods, Velma Lee Fudge and Ora Lee Jackson, one brother: Percy Blakley, sons: Marvell Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, one Grandson, one Granddaughter, two Great-Grandchildren, one Niece, one Great-Niece and one Nephew.

Mary leaves cherished memories to her children, Lavell Harts, Terrell Harts, Kelvin Johnson (Ebby), Mary Johnson, Keith Johnson Ward, Kim Johnson, Karen Jones (Phillip), Robert Johnson, Sarah Ford (Donald), a host of Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren, Great-great-grandchildren, Many Nieces, Nephews, Godchildren and a host of friends, loved ones and church family.