Joseph Alexander Forbes

Joseph Forbes Obituary Joseph Alexander Forbes was born April 22, 1928 in Memphis TN to Cleveland Grover Forbes and Elnora Lynch Forbes, he departed this earth on May 8, 2021, at his home in Garfield Heights OH. Joe was the 7th child of nine siblings. His parents Elnora and Cleveland Forbes preceded him in death, as well as seven siblings, Catherine, Eliza Mae, Thelma Louise, Mack Henry, Ophelia Ollie, Marie Antoinette, and Cleoford Alfred. Joe also had a daughter Donna Gail Forbes who preceded him in death. Joe was introduced to the Lord at an early age and attended Princeton Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, which originated in the home of his parents. Joe graduated from Douglas High School in Memphis TN on May 28th, 1946. He later joined the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, where he was a Certified Airplane Mechanic from 1952 to 1954 where he received an Honorable Discharge. He returned to Memphis after leaving the military. He later moved to Chicago to stay with his oldest sister, Marie. He left Chicago, moved to Cleveland and stayed with his brother Zeke. After coming to Cleveland, he worked at the Cleveland Transit System. Joe married Roberta Hayes on March 25, 1961 and they remained married for 60 years until his passing. They had a son, Anthony Joseph Forbes. Joe was later employed by the U. S. Postal Service as a Mail Clerk, he was later promoted as a Mail Carrier and finished his career as a Supervisor of Mail Carriers and Mail Clerks at the Main Post Office. During a Post Office Black History Month Celebration, The Call and Post interviewed Joe and ran an article where Joe explained some of the inner workings of the duties of a Supervisor at the Main Post Office. Joe retired on January 2, 1989 after serving 28 years. He became a lifelong member of Werner United Methodist Church in Cleveland Ohio, which is now known as Celebration United Methodist Church. Joe served on many committees at Werner United Methodist Church. He served as the President for the United Methodist Men, Administrative Council and the Trustee Board. He also recorded the Sunday Sermons. Joe was a faithful member for 40 years. Joe loved all sports, but his passion was baseball. No matter if it was Softball or Hardball, he loved baseball. In August of 1977 Joe was selected as the Umpire for the Amateur Softball Association for the Regional Slow-Pitch Tournament. Joe umpired for more than 25 years and had a once in a lifetime experience to umpire for the Cleveland Indians. After his retirement he became the Forbes Family Historian. He became an active member of the Cleveland Historical Society, where he would do extensive research of the Forbes genealogy and present his findings at Family Reunions. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his loving wife Roberta his son Anthony and his brother George, sister-in-law Mary E. Forbes and brother-in-law Clifford D. Hayes as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends and loved ones. In his toughest times, he relied on his strong faith in God and his love for his family to carry him through. In his later years, in declining health he was cared for at home by his loving and devoted wife Roberta, and son Anthony. DUE TO COVID 19..PLEASE PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING AND WEAR YOUR MASK.. THANK YOU... To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Alexander Forbes, please visit our floral store. Read More

Joseph Alexander Forbes

April 22, 1928 - May 8, 2021