Betty Cox Forrest

1928 - 2021

Betty Milla Cox Forrest, Age 92, passed away February 13, 2021. She was the wife of Howard "Duddy" Forrest, Jr. (deceased), and a resident of Poquoson, VA before moving to The Chesapeake Retirement Community, Newport News, in 2000.

The daughter of the late Melvin and Ora T. Cox, she was also preceded in death by her infant daughter, Noni Elizabeth, Son, Howard Garland, Sister, Lucille Cox Pace, Niece, Peggy Flemming and Nephew, Bill Pace, Jr. Survivors include one son; Kenneth Melvin Forrest and wife, Marty; Granddaughters; Corie Forrest and Kelli Forrest; Great-Granddaughter, Luci Sandoval; two Step-Grandchildren; 4 Step-Great Grandchildren, a Niece, Cathy Pace Meadows, and several extended family members.

A graduate of Poquoson High School and Madison College, she taught at Churchland and Warwick High Schools; Later, attended Hampton University and William and Mary, helped initiate the first kindergarten program at Trinity UMC, and later, at Poquoson Elementary School. She taught Sunday School at Trinity and St. Lukes' UMC's, and at her death was a member of her home Church, Tabernacle UMC.

She was named Peninsula Woman of the Year, 1963-64 by the sponsoring organization, the Newport News Junior Woman's Club. Her volunteer work included membership on the Boards of the Peninsula Heart Assn., York-Poquoson Social Services Board, Poquoson Advisory Special Education; Poquoson Woman's Club, and was founder of the Poquoson Scholarship Foundation. She was appointed by the Poquoson City Council to the first Public Library Advisory Board, remaining for eighteen years and served as chairman for several years. She was a member of the Poquoson Retired Teachers' Association.

Memorial service and burial will be private. Friends of "Miss Betty" wishing to express condolences to the family may send a note to The Forrest Family c/o Kenneth Forrest, 144 Villa Dr., Poquoson, 23662. In lieu of flowers, her favorite memorial preferences are shared below.

Her family wishes to thank the caregivers and staff of The Chesapeake, whose kindness and attention did so much to make her 20 years there pleasant and comfortable.

Memorials: Trinity Christian Preschool, 1294 Poquoson Ave., Poquoson, VA 23662; Friends of the Poquoson Public Library, 500 City Hall Ave., Poquoson, VA 23662; or Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 831 Poquoson Ave., Poquoson, VA 23662.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance by Claytor Rollins Funeral Home. Condolences to claytorrollins.com