Ethel Elizabeth Forbes, best known as Elizabeth, was born October 24, 1938 in Mechanicsville, MD, to the late Thomas Edward Goldring and Catherine Marie Goldring.
Elizabeth married the love of her life, Joseph Forbes in June of 1957, a union that lasted 34 years until his death in 1991. From this union, six children were produced: Joseph, Jr., Rita, Herman, Stacey (Peaches), Stephanie and Linda.
Elizabeth retired after 26 years from the Department of Social Services as a Home Health Care Aide. She taught young mothers parenting skills, housekeeping and counseled them on community resources. She faced challenges of taking care of a sick spouse but always made time to care for the elderly, disabled, homeless and needy. She aided families to be self-sufficient and not to rely on the welfare system.
Elizabeth received various training in Home Health care nursing, Hospice care, geriatric home care and received her certification from Loyola College in Baltimore in Alcohol and Drug training.
In 1996, Elizabeth was awarded the Recognition Service Award for 26 years of service from the St. Mary’s County Board of the Department of Social Services. She was very active in her church, belonged to various charitable organizations to include The Ladies Sodality and the St. Vincent DePaul Society.
Her pastimes were yard sales, gardening, and playing bingo. She was known for keeping an immaculate house and loved knick-knacks. She loved her family; especially children. She helped to raise two of her grandchildren, Shaneka and John.
Elizabeth is predeceased by her sisters, Louise Woodland Brown, and Mary Pierce; brother, Thomas Leo Goldring; brothers-in-law, Thomas, James (Mutt) and Louis Forbes and sister-in-law, Lola Forbes.
She is survived by six children, sister, Florence; brother, James Albert Goldring; three sons-in-law, Oscar Briscoe, James Ferrell and John Banks; one daughter-in-law, Nadine Forbes; brother and sister-in-law, Augusta (Gussie) and Elizabeth Herbert; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Forbes (Thomas) and Elizabeth Forbes (Louis); grandchildren, Lindsey (James), Kellen (Tlaria), Sheneka (James), John, Marlon, Joseph and William; great grandchildren, Seven, Jamarion, Jayonna, Zola, Zahri and Audrina and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
My deepest condolences to the Forbes family.
I will keep you in my prayers.
My deepest sympathy Joseph for the passing of your mother and for your family as well. Praying your hearts are healed as she is already rejoicing in heaven.
Blessings,
Sue Ironfield/ Arlington, Virginia