Birdie Mae Forest

Birdie Mae Forest was the last child born to Vernon and Gertrude Forest on

May 28, 1949 in Texarkana, Texas.

The family moved several years after Birdie’s birth to Dallas and later to Belton, Texas.

She attended T.B. Harris School from the fourth grade until its closure in 1966.

She participated in choir, debate team and her favorite girls’ basketball. She graduated from Belton High School in 1968.

As a child, Birdie attended Magnolia Baptist church under the leadership of Pastor Fred Benford. As an adult she joined Rev. Joe Simms and First Lady Linda Simms at Love Unlimited Church of God in Christ.

She was a vital part of the church’s ministry and assumed many roles in maintaining the church, Upon the illness and death of the church founders, Birdie return to her childhood church.

She was known in the community of Belton as Missionary Birdie Forest. She would be asked to share a word from God on Missionary Sunday at several local church and sometime for vacationing pastors. Her love for God and his work was demonstrated as she shared the word with all in her community and the city of Belton. For over ten years she studied to show God’s approval at Belton First

Baptist Church Precept Bible Study. Birdie was moved to action as she encouraged friends and family to join her in intercessory prayer each week. She would always encourage us to keep praying for our churches, pastors, community and our country leaders. She was active in mission, Sunday School, and hospitality outreach. Her love for helping families in bereavement never lacked her support in providing soda, drinks and paper goods. She often commented I have been there and I want to give something.

Birdie worked for Mrs. Potts as a caretaker until her death. She joined Superior Chair Craft of Belton, Greggs’ Manufacturing in Belton, Texas Highway Department and Wilson Art in Temple.

Ms. Forest was preceded in death by parents, Vernon and Gertrude Forest; five brothers, Virgil J., Levern, Jewel, Leroy and William Forest; two sisters, Helen Forest Walker and Shirley Forest and several nieces and nephews.

Survivors includes: her two sons Edmond (Elaine) Blackmon and Billie Ray Blackmon, a host of nieces and nephews and special friend Michelle Glass.