Edna Gene Forester

Funeral Services for Edna Gene Forester will be Monday, April 20, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church McKenzie. Reverends David Lancaster and Byron Forester will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday April 19, 2015; 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and visitation on Monday will be at 11:00 a.m. at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Burial will be at Shiloh Cemetery, McKenzie, TN. Mrs. Forester died April 16, 2015 at McKenzie Regional Hospital. She was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and had served as pianist/organist/choir director at First Presbyterian Church for over 25 years. She was born in Memphis, TN on April 17, 1927 to Ellis William and Clara Edna Neblett Ledbetter. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and her husband Reverend Robert Forester. Mrs. Forester was a graduate of Bethel College where she met her husband. She accompanied and supported her beloved husband as he pastored churches in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Her musical talent, delightful sense of humor, ever-present smile, and loving spirit made her extraordinarily valuable in the churches they served. Upon retirement from the full-time pastorate, they returned to McKenzie. Following her husband's death, Mrs. Forester became known as "The Voice of Bethel University" as she took the position of switchboard operator. She answered every call with a smile on her face that could be heard by the caller. Again, her cheerful voice and helpful demeanor made her an invaluable asset. Mrs. Forester leaves a host of relatives, "adopted" relatives, and dear friends who mourn her passing but rejoice that they had the privilege of knowing and loving her. She also leaves two furry companions who brought added joy in her life. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to Bethel University for the Robert and Edna Gene Forester Scholarship Fund or the Heritage Meets Innovation Grand Piano Fund.