Forrest, Martha

FORREST, Martha

Rev. Martha Hubbard Forrest of Decatur, GA, died surrounded by family on February 23, 2024.

She was born to Rev. Charles Spence Hubbard and Mercer Reeves Hubbard in Pittsboro, NC, where she grew up surrounded by aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins, who she considered some of her best friends throughout her life. She liked to tell stories of growing up in the country, a detail that she felt was integral to her identity. In 1961, Martha married Bob Forrest, and the two had three children, Rob, Suzanne, and Steve.

At 37, after her children had entered school, Martha returned to school herself, graduating from seminary to become a pastor in the United Methodist Church. While she always considered motherhood her first career, she was an exceptional pastor who prided herself on the example she set for women who wanted to work in the ministry. She was dedicated to her vocation, serving numerous churches in North Georgia and retiring as District Superintendent of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. In her retirement, she was an active member of Northside United Methodist Church, where she attended weekly services. She liked to tell others that church was important to her because it wasn't a place for perfect people, but for sinners to heal.

Martha was a larger-than-life presence who made an impact on everyone she met. She was a trailblazer for women in the church, a cancer survivor, the fun cousin, a walking buddy, a neighbor, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend to so many. She is survived by her children, Suzanne Brown and Steve Forrest; her grandchildren, Taylor Brown Lindsay (Marlowe), Ryan Brown (Cassie), Henry Forrest, and Irene Forrest; her great-granddaughters, Mia and Nora; her niece, Dina Ruehle; and her daughter-in-law, Kelly Forrest; along with too many cousins to count. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Oswin Forrest, Jr.; and her son, Robert Oswin Forrest III.

A lifelong advocate for education, a scholarship fund was established in Martha's name for her 75th birthday. In lieu of flowers, you can contribute to this fund by visiting UMHEF.org/give.

Funeral Services will be at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 2:00 PM on March 3, 2024.

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