Yolanda Forbes

Yolanda D. Forbes was born on March 2, 1960, in Anniston, Alabama, to the late Mason Heard, Jr. and Mattie Avery Smith. At a young age, she confessed Christ and united with Pilgrim Baptist Church. She would later move her membership to Friendship Baptist Church in Homewood, Alabama. Upon her return to Anniston, she joined Mount Calvary Baptist Church where she was an active member until her health began to fail. During her membership at Mount Calvary, she served faithfully as a member of the Deaconess Ministry and vice president of the Survivor Ministry.
Yolanda was educated in the Anniston City School system and graduated from Anniston High School in 1978. She continued her post-secondary education at New World College of Beauty and received a cosmetology degree. She eventually found gainful employment with O'Charley's where she served as General Manager for over twenty years.
Yolanda, known by her family and friends as Smokey, was not just a leader at work, but a true people person who cherished her relationships with family and friends. Those who knew her will forever remember her fun-loving spirit, tough exterior but soft heart, and warm smile.
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Yolanda answered the Master's call and entered eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Forbes; daughter, Latanya Felder; great-grandchild, Z'Niyah; nieces, Jacquelyn Bush and Bobbie Wright; aunt, Beatrice Moore; uncles, Earnest Moore, Roosevelt Avery, and John T. Avery; cousin, Rickey Moore; and brothers-in-law, Napolean Phillips, William Patterson, and Emmett Porter, Sr.
Yolanda's memories will forever be treasured by her children, Latasha (Cedrick) Hawkins, Franco (Rihana) Smith, Ret. MSGT Donald (Danielle) Smith, Damion Felder, and Shun (Iris) Felder; Breanna, Tacara, Asante', Jordan, Leerric, Destin, Brittian, Jerimah, Dayton, Dakota, Devin, Cynthia, Danica, Davion, Javani, Jaylen, and Alexis; great-grandchildren, Braylen, Bryce, Khy, and Kamora; sisters, Leola Porter, Amenna Malik, Lena Patterson, and Macey (McArthur) Winston; brothers, Nathiel Scales and Malcolm (Christy) Smith; sister-in-law, Gloria Forbes; brother-in-law, Johnny Forbes; godchildren, Ursula Harris and Kinta Harris; god-siblings, Hollis Moore and Bonnie Moore; special friends, Topaze, Maxine, Vanessa, Stephanie, and Ellis McCluney; and a host of other family and friends.
As we reflect on Yolanda's remarkable journey, may we find comfort in the memories and the joy she brought into our lives.