Samuel Augustine Forbes

A time to be Born
Our beloved Samuel Forbes affectionately called Uncle Sam, was born on May 26, 1936 to the late Muriel Kelly and Stanford Forbes of Woodside, St. Mary, Jamaica W.I. He was the eldest of two sons for his mother and on his father's side he had six siblings. Samuel went quietly home to be with the lord on November 21, 2022 at his home in Woodbridge Virginia.
A time to Learn and Work
Samuel, attended the Woodside All-Age School, in St. Mary, Jamaica. After graduation, he started a career as an Auto Mechanic and entered into an apprenticeship program in Port Maria, St. Mary. In his early years he made several trips to the United States on various work programs after which he decided to stay in Jamaica and establish a trucking business, while residing in Blue Gate, St. Mary. His trucking business provided essential services for others an made him a respected businessman and community leader.
It was in 1973 that he relocated to Hart Hill, in Portland. He wanted to get involved in his new community and to get to know the people there. He thought that he could best serve the community by providing transportation to the rural areas of White River in Portland. As a bus operator, many people got to know him but it was mostly because of the jokes that he would share with them on their trip.
In 1987, he moved to the United States and joined the Giant Foods team and worked in the produce department. His exemplary work ethics earned him the prestigious Staffer of the Year Award in 2001. Samuel's great sense of humor was experienced both by the customers her served and the associates he worked with. He left a great impression on all he met. Even when he was sick, he never lost his sense of humor.
A time to Create and have Fun
Samuel loves to spend his time farming, cooking, baking and watching TV. Back in Portland, Jamaica he would spend time planting vegetables and teaching his children the value of being able to eat foods home grown. He was a great cook who spends a lot of time in the kitchen mastering different flavors and wanted to bring excitement to those who would partake of his meals. His macaroni and cheese, and fish balls got "gold star" from all who had the pleasure of tasting them. He kept the Jamaican Christmas Cake tradition every year for as long as his health allowed him to. Samuel was a lover of the Soaps Operas on TV. As a comedian himself he was always drawn to comedy and shared lots of laughs with family and friends. He was a lover of all types of music and found classical music very relaxing. He loved to watch cricket, soccer, tennis and football. In his early years he enjoyed playing a game of cricket with family and friends. His most recent hobby was photography, he loved being behind the camera captioning the moment than being in front of the camera.
A time for worship
Samuel's early church life began at the Carron Hall Presbyterian Church in St. Mary. He also attended the Buff Bay Anglican Church in Jamaica and Lakeridge Baptist Church in the U.S. More recently, he would accompany his daughter Babbette and son-in-law David to First Mount Baptist Church here in Dumfries, Virginia.
A time to Love
Samuel met and married the love of his life Gloria Toomer-Rose on December 11, 1971. They formed a blended family which comprised of eight children. His wife Gloria Forbes preceded him on July 19, 2003.
A time to Remember
His memories will be cherished by three daughters; Babbette Montgomery, Janice Cohen and Kay Layne, and two sons; Garfield Forbes and Orren Forbes and his step-sons; Maurice Rose and Frederick Rose. He is survived by sons-in-law; David Montgomery and John Cohen and daughter-in-law Idella Forbes. Grand-children; Marlon Hamilton (Brittney), Kamar Smith (Yoko), Javaughn Hamilton, Jodain Cohen (Shereda), Javaughn Cohen, Shantel Forbes, Trimain Forbes, Leighton Forbes and Gabriella Forbes. Step-Grand-Children Althea Lewinson (Trevor) and Demal Riley and Eleven Great grand-children. He is survived by three brothers: Ronald Forbes (Marva), Neville Forbes and Barron Forbes (Yvonne) and two sisters: Phillebertha Sutherland (Leslie) and Norma Yarde (John).
He is preceded by two brothers, two sisters, a sister-in-law, a step-daughter and a step-grandson.
He is survived by cousins, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and loving friends. His smile and laughter will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.