Jewell Cravey Forlaw

"The Dash" between the dates is perhaps the Gold Standard in paying tribute to those we love. Jewell's is certainly worthy of that rating.

Jewell was born in Ashburn, Georgia, to Thomas Watson (Sr.) and Martha Ford Cravey, farmers for whom respect reached well beyond the borders of Turner County.

She was one sibling in the midst of 7 born to "Tom and Martha." They were Vernell (Royal), Virginia Cravey (Deceased as a child), Thomas Watson (Jr.), Sara (Bass), Helen (Williford), and Robbie (Lunsford).

She was predeceased by all her siblings and their spouses, but there remains an ever-dwindling number of nephews and nieces of both Cravey and Forlaw heritage. That happens when you live to the ripe age of 97. Many close friends have also fallen victim to Father Time.

Educated in local schools, she graduated from Sycamore (GA) High School and left for Valdosta State College . . . from which she returned, homesick for family (not farm), after about a week.

At age 18, Jewell left the farm, taking with her every virtue with which that lifestyle acquaints itself, Godly Faith, hospitality, deep family values, loyalty, honesty, integrity, unparalleled work ethic, compassion, and a fervent love for others and Life in general; thereby giving credence to the proverbial "You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl."

Moving to Jacksonville, Florida, she did, however, take on an elegance that would have turned a flour sack to satin and velvet. A quality that would follow her all the days of her life.

In Jacksonville, she worked for Independent Life Insurance Company, Tucker Brothers Realty, Great Southern Trucking Company and, in 1951, her most treasured occupation as wife of Robert (Bob) Francis Forlaw, the Love of Her Life, whom she met in 1950. Together they never met an obstacle or faced a situation that they could not, through Faith in God, overcome and master. Early on, their challenges were many and varied. Jewell continued working (as did Bob) while he attended Jacksonville University (part-time) with aspirations of obtaining a degree in engineering. Realizing that part-time would take years, Jewell insisted he commit to full-time and she could support them. Then came the decision to transfer to the University of Florida in Gainesville. With the transfer, her self-sacrifice and devotion continued, and Bob graduated in 1962.

Following graduation, Bob secured employment with Sperry (Rand) Corporation developing electronics, not shoes (different Sperry), and, at long last, Jewell was granted a reprieve from the 9 to 5+ life. During that hiatus, Jewell took on the most challenging job of her life: childbearing first, followed by child-rearing. . . The result of which she and Bob always considered their greatest joint effort, and the one that brought them the most joy, pride, and pleasure. . . Their result, Rhonda Faye (now Adkins), is their surviving (and only) daughter, who blessed them with three (also surviving) beautiful Granddaughters: Mackenzie, Brianna, and Trinity (all Adkins'). Rhonda and the girls live in Brentwood, TN, and are a testimony to their success.

Poor corporate decisions by Sperry (against Bob's advice) resulted in the dissolution of the autonomous division where Bob worked. The year was 1968. Bob went to work for Cain and Company, which eventually became their own company. With Faith and fortitude, Cain-Forlaw Company was born, with headquarters in Mount Prospect, Illinois. . . another relocation. Jewell became the anchor for the home and business while Bob amassed the miles as salesman, researcher, and developer - a million-mile+ undertaking.

They enjoyed serving on the board and in Stephen's Ministry while worshipping at Arlington Heights Methodist Church. Their confidence in God's blessings was rewarded with success in both business and spiritual life. There were obstacles and challenges, but God always provided a solution, and the business flourished.

After 31 years riding the carousel of business, Cain-Forlaw Company was sold, and Jewell and Bob were able to gracefully retire and move to the Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, GA . . . on a plot of their choice and in a home of their own design.

Enjoying an active lifestyle, Jewell took great pleasure (as opposed to pride) in the social society, especially playing bridge (for which she had a reputation as a more than formidable opponent, or 1st-round draft pick partner) and the game of golf, as Bob said she was better at the game than he was.

The doors of 1059 Prosperity Pointe were always open to family, friends, and guests who were greeted with an unmatched spirit of hospitality.

One highlight of Jewell's (and Bob's) tenure at Greensboro was providing much of the inspiration to establish, support, and serve at the Greensboro United Methodist Church (South). The Carillon (bells which she and family donated) still toll as a memorial to honor Bob's memory, who left this world on June 26, 2014, to scout ahead for their heavenly mansion.

Jewel lived alone after Bob passed, but moved to Brentwood, TN, in 2019 to be closer to Rhonda and the granddaughters. They have shared their home in Brentwood and, though equipped for business as well as a home, the unrivalled spirit of hospitality still dwells there.

Being surrounded by family was her greatest joy, and she wanted to care and provide for their needs. When that challenge became more complicated than she and Rhonda could meet, God sent her (and Rhonda) a friend and caregiver, Kim Surratt, who became as family for her last few years. Jewell continued being active at home as long as possible, but circumstances resulted in her last 18 months being spent at The Rivers at Maryland Farms.

Jewell's life has always been about trials, those aggravating little creatures that pop up their head at the most inconvenient time, or stick around like Paul's thorn in the flesh. Like Paul, she confronted them all head-on and, very admittedly, with God's help, every contrary wind was calmed. The triumph over her trials led to rewards for which she was forever thankful.

Ever-vigilant regarding her health, she demonstrated remarkable strength overcoming cancer several times. She also discovered she had hemochromatosis (a buildup of iron in the body), which likely accounted for her nerves of steel. Wonder she could pass through the metal detector at the airport.

She lost her sight in her last few years after battling with glaucoma and macular degeneration; even that did not dim her Spirit or her true vision . . . that she would live life to the fullest and in abundance, in the world God created through Jesus and announced, "It is good."

She engaged in this journey, pursued it with passion, left many footprints that will never be replaced, fought the good fight and, surely to God, heard "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" As she looked into the eyes of Jesus, whereupon I can only imagine she paused for His loving embrace and then ran to a welcoming party of family and friends led by her eternal soul-mate. . . never to be separated again . . . seeing clearly and completely at Peace --- Forever.

What a journey this has been! . . . and it is only the beginning!!

Jewell is now reunited in eternal rest with her beloved husband Bob of 63 years. A proud veteran who served his country in the US Army Air Corps/US Air Force from 1946-1953, where he served as an airplane and engine mechanic. Honoring their enduring bond and his dedicated military service, they will be laid to rest together at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Nashville, TN, in May of 2027, which would have been their 76th wedding anniversary. We will be having a celebration of life Saturday, May 1, 2027, to honor both Bob and Jewell - all are welcome. The details will be posted here once finalized.