Donald Forbes

Mr. Donald Forbes was born on May 24, 1953, in Hobson City, Alabama to the late Josephine Amanda Forbes and John Henry Ward. He was raised by his grandparents in Anniston, Alabama. Donald entered eternal rest on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center, Statesboro, Georgia.

He attended and graduated from Calhoun County Public Schools, Anniston, Alabama. After graduation, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee and attended Tennessee State University.

Early in his life, he developed a passion for cooking and worked in many capacities. Determined to perfect his culinary skills, he studied under numerous renowned chefs. He specialized in preparation of seafood, pastas, and sauces. Donald’s colleagues depended on his expertise to create and prepare special sauces. Throughout his life, he has prepared many delectable culinary experiences for customers, family, and friends.

While living in Nashville, Tennessee he met and married Dr. Felicia Eason, the love of his life. To this union, two daughters were born, Nia and Alicia. Donald was very supportive of his wife as she navigated her career path from Nashville, Tennessee to Gaithersburg, Maryland and back home to Cobbtown, Georgia. He was known as being a strong support system to his daughters. Donald was present and rarely missed events in their lives. As a community advocate, he worked alongside his wife as a volunteer with the Candler County NAACP Youth Council, Metter High School Band Boosters, and Candler County Community Vacation Bible School.

Upon moving to Cobbtown, he and his family joined Bethel AME Church, Collins, Georgia, where he served on the hospitality committee. He loved Sunday School and enthusiastically served in any capacity.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Dr. Felicia Eason Forbes; three daughters, Erika Nicole Carner of Nashville, Tennessee, Nia Geneva Forbes and Alicia Noelle Forces both of Cobbtown, Georgia; two grandchildren, Anaya Nicole Turnipseed and Aric Malik Carner both of Nashville, Tennessee; three brothers-in-law, Rev. William L. Eason, Sr. (Rosalyn) of Savannah, Georgia, Rev. Dr. Gregory V. Eason, Sr. (Linda) of Atlanta, Georgia, Nolan K. Eason of Cobbtown, Georgia; one sister-in-law, Rev. Pamela E. Hobbs (Booker T.) of Cobbtown, Georgia; Dale Gray (Linda) who was like a brother of Lorton, Virginia; John Jernigan, who was like a father of Nashville, Tennessee; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. 

The Staff of Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to support and serve the Forbes family with Dignity, Respect and Integrity. 

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