Mr. Forrest Edward Green

His Journey: Forrest Edward Green, son of Mr. Forrest Neal Green and the late Annie Louise Williams Green, was born on April 25, 1939 in Cartersville, Georgia. Forrest was affectionately known as "Sonny" by his family and friends in his hometown. Forrest joined the Mt. Zion Baptist Church as a young boy where he sang in the Zion Bell Choir under the direction of Ms. Thelma Dinkins. He was also a boy scout at Mt. Zion under the direction of Rev. Rufus Dinkins. He remained close to his church and to his early childhood friend, Marion Dinkins even after moving to Detroit. Forrest was educated in Cartersville and graduated from Summer Hill High School in the class of 1957. While at Summer Hill High School, he played football with the Summer Hill Blue Devils and sang in the chorus. He always stayed close to the class of 1957 and would try to make as many class reunions as he could. Forrest attended Morehouse College where he earned a degree in chemistry and math. He returned to Cartersville to teach school for one year in Calhoun, Georgia at Stephens High School. He decided to move to Detroit, Michigan for better job opportunities on the advice of his Uncle Clarence. After working at the Ford Motor Company and the Water Works in Detroit, he was hired as a chemist in Lansing for the state of Michigan. During his visits to Detroit from Lansing, he was introduced to Mattye Jo Damron by his aunt Vivian Knowles. Forrest and Mattye were married August 6,1967 and remained dedicated to each other for 47 years until his untimely death. In Lansing, Michigan, Forrest worked with the Department of Natural Resources for nine years. At that time, his department was testing for Mercury contamination in fish. He was later transferred to the Michigan Department of Transportation in the Materials and Technology Division testing paint for bridges, roads, salt, potholes, and glass beads for the yellow lines. Each day, he drove one MDOT transportation van 200 miles round trip to Lansing for 12 other workers. He stopped off at Lawrence Institute of Technology on his return trip from work for classes where he earned an associate degree in Electrical and Electronic Technology in 1978, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Management in 1981 and a Master of Business Administration Degree in 1995. Forrest's hobbies were hunting and fishing. He loved the great outdoors and he and Mattye spent many weekends camping in Michigan and Canada. Forrest's favorite charity was education. He was a strong believer in the slogan, "A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste." He spent many hours tutoring students as well as recruiting students for college; and, he and Mattye set up scholarships at his church, Lane College, and Morehouse College. Forrest sang in the Chapel Choir and the Men's Choir at Fellowship Chapel Church where he was affectionately called "Thunder." The last song he sang when his health was failing was "I Don't Feel No Ways Tired."

Mr. Forrest Edward Green

April 25, 1939 - August 27, 2014