FORREST, Martha

Rev. Martha Hubbard Forrest of Decatur, GA, died surrounded by family on February 23, 2024.

She was born to Rev. Charles Spence Hubbard and Mercer Reeves Hubbard in Pittsboro, NC, where she grew up surrounded by aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins, who she considered some of her best friends throughout her life. She liked to tell stories of growing up in the country, a detail that she felt was integral to her identity. In 1961, Martha married Bob Forrest, and the two had three children, Rob, Suzanne, and Steve.

At 37, after her children had entered school, Martha returned to school herself, graduating from seminary to become a pastor in the United Methodist Church. While she always considered motherhood her first career, she was an exceptional pastor who prided herself on the example she set for women who wanted to work in the ministry. She was dedicated to her vocation, serving numerous churches in North Georgia and retiring as District Superintendent of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. In her retirement, she was an active member of Northside United Methodist Church, where she attended weekly services. She liked to tell others that church was important to her because it wasn't a place for perfect people, but for sinners to heal.

Martha was a larger-than-life presence who made an impact on everyone she met. She was a trailblazer for women in the church, a cancer survivor, the fun cousin, a walking buddy, a neighbor, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend to so many. She is survived by her children, Suzanne Brown and Steve Forrest; her grandchildren, Taylor Brown Lindsay (Marlowe), Ryan Brown (Cassie), Henry Forrest, and Irene Forrest; her great-granddaughters, Mia and Nora; her niece, Dina Ruehle; and her daughter-in-law, Kelly Forrest; along with too many cousins to count. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Oswin Forrest, Jr.; and her son, Robert Oswin Forrest III.

A lifelong advocate for education, a scholarship fund was established in Martha's name for her 75th birthday. In lieu of flowers, you can contribute to this fund by visiting UMHEF.org/give.

Funeral Services will be at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 2:00 PM on March 3, 2024.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Feb. 28 to Feb. 29, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Martha Forrest

Sponsored by A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory.

9 Entries

Terri Martin

May 19, 2025

Steve and Sue,
We are sending out heartfelt condolences . Ron was a seminary classmate of yiuroms at candler, Emory, and I was a member of her cedar grove church.
Love, Terri and ron martin

Earl

March 1, 2024

We wanted to plant a tree in memory of our friend Martha. She was my dearest friend. She picked me up every Tuesday morning to go walking at the gym. She will be greatly missed. I´m glad I told her regularly that I loved her and was glad to have her as my friend. Love and prayers Earl Dunnahoo & family

Bethany Gullette (everett)

February 28, 2024

Rev. Martha was truly a hero and someone i will always admire. She was my very 1st pastor and one of the 1st people to show me what live regardless of race, color, background meant. Her whole family has and will always hold a special place in my life and in my heart. She was truly a woman after God's heart and a true woman of strength. Rev. Martha your legacy will continue to live on in all those you blessed with you life and your spirit..... love you always, Bethany

Carole West

February 26, 2024

Our sincere condolences to the family. When Rev. Martha came to CGUMC we were not just a congregation - we were "family", adults and children alike. We worshipped and played together, both church and non-church activities. One of my fondest memories was of my daughter Rashida walking to church every Sunday. Everyone loved Rev. Martha. My last memory of her, was her and Robert's attendance at my surprise 60th birthday party. It was so good to see them both. She was a beautiful soul and never met a stranger. She will be missed by everyone she touched in her lifetime. She will be in our hearts always. Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to our "extended family" for their loss. The West family

Trinka Kittle

February 25, 2024

Martha was a one of a kind minister. I was in a group she led of recently ordained clergy. She had a huge impact on my life as a clergy woman, no doubt the most influential pastor in my ministry. I never told her how much she meant to me, I sure wish I had done so. Rest in peace, my friend.

Shirley J Everett

February 25, 2024

Rev. Martha Forrest was an authentic woman. She pastored Cedar Grove UMC in her own unique way and this encouraged our young people to feel included in the CGUMC family.
Rev. Martha had her unique style of dressing: cowboy boots and Reebok high top tennis shoes. I loved that she could minister so effectively by being her true self.
My family: husband, Cee; son, Derrick and daughter, Bethany truly felt that Rev. Martha welcomed us a part of her family. We will miss Rev. Martha.
Shirley Jones Everett

Sharon Kelly

February 25, 2024

Condolences to Sue, Steve, and all of the family. We will always remember the personal in home invite from Martha to attend Cedar Grove UMC the year of 1981. Because of Martha´s love we learned the love of Christ and joined the church where we are still members. We thank God for placing Martha in our lives. We loved her so much! We will always have a special memory of her in our hearts. God bless the family from Bernard and Sharon Kelly.

Diane Spencer

February 25, 2024

Martha Forest was the Pastor at Cedar Grove Methodist Church when my family knew her. She was our Pastor and friend. She performed the marriage of 3 family members including mine and my brother´s along with my Uncle´s. All marriages lasted until the death of my husband and my brother. She also officiated my Father´s funeral. George Russell. My Mom & her played tennis together also. Our thoughts and prayers are with all her family. She was a special person and we thought so much of her.

Diane Spencer

Doris Russell

February 25, 2024

My sincere sympathy. Martha was a dear friend. With love, Doris Russell

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