Coretta Dawson (Moore) Forrest

Coretta Dawson Moore Forrest, age 95, was called home on September 17, 2022. Coretta was born on November 21, 1926, to James Harry and Isabel “Lizzy” Vandelia Dawson Moore. She was one of eight children, and she treasured her siblings her entire life. She was born and raised in Poquoson and graduated from Poquoson High School.
In October 1945, Coretta married her lifelong partner, William Hugh Forrest, Sr. She worked as a secretary at Poquoson High School before becoming a homemaker. She and her husband were active members of Emmaus Baptist Church where she would later serve as a Deaconess. She was appointed to the Electoral Board of Poquoson in 1995 and served in a variety of roles until 2006. Coretta and Hugh raised four children together, and they were later blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Coretta was a beloved tea party giver and a gifted cook. Her family gathered at her home for dinners and picnics for any and every holiday. She did all of this not because of duty, but love. Her warmth and genuine interest in each of our lives drew us to her. She nourished our bodies and our hearts.
She is joining loved ones who went before her: parents, James Harry and Isabel Vandelia Dawson Moore, her brother Harry “Bubby” Moore Jr. (Frances), her sisters Jacquelin “Jack” Montgomery (Randolph) and Kathleen “Kay” Moore (Eugene), her sister-in-law Nelda Moore, her brothers-in-law Ashley Page, Ray Baker and Earl Shores, and her grandchildren, Kenneth Wayne Forrest, and Kory Laurene Forrest Jones.
Coretta is survived by her children, Vandelia “Dee” Forrest (Cal – AKA the favorite son-in-law), Hugh Forrest Jr. (Betty), Mark Forrest (Kim), and Kurt Forrest, her sisters Norma Baker, Joan Page, Jean Shores, her brother Charlie Moore, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. She will always be Mamas-a-While to her grandchildren, Cal Forrest Jr. (Julie), Andrea Ambrose (Jeff), Ilene Stephan (Chris), Kara Joyce (Jesse), Rachel Harrell (Bryan), and Kymberly Carr (Paul) and to her great-grandchildren Kenneth, Tyler, Evan, Ashby, Samuel, Sarah, Nicholas, Robert, Christopher, Luke, Quincy, Grady, Leaven, and Kamryn.
Coretta’s life was one of service and devotion to her Savior and to her family. She will be greatly missed.
A graveside celebration of life will be held at Emmaus Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lottie Moon Missionary offering at Emmaus Baptist Church, 814 Yorktown Rd., Poquoson VA.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.
Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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