Evelyn Forrest

Evelyn Forrest, 87, of Lufkin, was born April 4, 1921, in Angelina County, Texas, the daughter of the late Emma (OÕQuinn) and Charlie Whisenant. She passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009, in a local hospital. Mrs. Forrest was a foster grandparent with the Lufkin State School for a number of years. She regularly visited with the children at Hackney Elementary and Herty Elementary as long as she was able, and then visited with the children on campus at the Lufkin State School until 2008. She was a member of Memorial Baptist Church, and ran the nursery there for more than 15 years. She also ran a daycare in her home for over 40 years. Mrs. Forrest was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for more than 40 years. She was very involved in all of these activities until her health failed her in 2008. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Donna Parish of Huntington; grandchildren, Jamie Leigh Parish of Longview and Calley Parish McNeese and husband Seth of Carthage; daughter-in-law, Paulette of Lufkin; and a number of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Mrs. Forrest was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Forrest, in 1969; son, Billie Don Parish; and stepson, Sonny Forrest. Pallbearers will be members of the VFW Post #1836. Services for Mrs. Forrest will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2009, in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend R.C. Forrest officiating. Interment will follow in the Gann Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday evening at Gipson Funeral Home. Gipson Funeral Home; Joni Johnson, director.