Mavis Forrest

JONESBORO - Mavis Lenore Forrest, 78, of Jonesboro, went to be with our Lord on Nov. 16, 2025, in Jonesboro. Although she insisted on not putting people out, she was happily blessed with a steady flow of visiting family and friends during her final days on earth.

Mavis was born to Orba and Ora Forrest in Paragould on Sept. 29, 1947. Unconfirmed reports state that she gave the doctor an opinionated smirk upon arrival. She was a graduate of Jonesboro High School and attended Arkansas State University. There, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, eventually earning a master's degree in education. Mavis was a lifelong student and teacher and taught in the Jonesboro Public School system for 30 years. She began her career at East Elementary School in Jonesboro, but she loved history and politics and moved to MacArthur Junior High School, where she was everyone's favorite history teacher.

She embraced outside-the-box teaching approaches to engage her students. She strived to make all of her students feel welcomed and trusted, but particularly enjoyed her slightly mischievous pupils, and would specifically ask the so-called "troublemakers" to help her with important tasks to let them know they were valued. Upon "retirement," she continued teaching English classes to non-native English speakers at the Adult Education Center in Jonesboro. While she went out of her way to avoid praise, Mavis was one of the most generous people on the planet, readily helping students, colleagues, and community members in need without any hesitation. Mavis was a long-time and active member of First Baptist Church, and she was an avid supporter of Habitat for Humanity for many years.

Mavis loved cooking and eating good food. She was always prepping something for a party or get-together. Opinions vary on her best/signature dish; some will claim it's the hot chicken salad, but the author of this obituary is certain it was her cheesecake, or maybe the pumpkin roll.

Mavis was also a huge fan of tennis. From Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert to Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf to Roger Federer and the Williams sisters, she followed the game and could serve up a lively and insightful conversation. Additionally, Mavis enjoyed traveling. She visited many, many places, but particularly loved New York City and Europe, opinions undoubtedly influenced by the great restaurants. Any time her friends or family took a trip, she couldn't wait to hear all the wonderful details.

Above all, Mavis loved her friends and family. While she was fiercely independent, Mavis had a wonderfully active social life and many great friends. She regularly caught up with the "Gals", a group of fellow 1965 JHS alumnae, got together with "The Jewels", her academic group from MacArthur, had lunch with her Sunday school class, and adored gathering with her buddies to play bridge. Mavis loved to hear about her family's activities and discuss the events of the day, but you'd better plan ahead, because a phone conversation could easily take an hour (seriously!). She was chatty, opinionated, and feisty; she had a great sense of humor, loved a tacky birthday card, and her hearty laugh/cackle would instantly fill a room with joy.

Mavis is survived by her brother Jim Forrest and wife Lisa of Rogers; nephew Craig Forrest and wife Tanesha of Little Rock; niece Haley Graham and husband Wes of Springdale; and niece Lynlea Forrest of Rogers. She will be truly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. We are sure her spirit is enjoying brunch at Tavern on the Green with the friends and family that left before her.

Funeral services are under the direction of the Emerson Funeral Home and will be held at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro at 11 a.m. on Nov. 25. A visitation will precede the service from 10 to 11 a.m. All friends and family are welcome. Burial will take place at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector, at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Mavis's name to Habitat for Humanity or Northeast Arkansas Food Bank.