Roberta I. Forbes

Roberta Forbes Obituary Roberta Ina Forbes was born into this world on April 25th 1937 to the proud parents, Broadies and Coraneita Hayes. She would depart this world on August 8th, 2024 without any regrets. She was the seventh of eight children (LeBaron, Thelma, Edward, Bessie, Loretta, Aurelia, and Clifford). All of her siblings have preceded her into eternal life. She graduated from East Technical High School in 1955. While employed at St. Vincent Charity Hospital, the summer before graduation, having the responsibility of maintaining the sterility of surgical instruments, she met the love of her life, Joseph Alexander Forbes. They met while she and her friends were at a club. He had just gotten off from work where he was employed as a bus driver for the Cleveland Transit Bus System. He offered to buy Roberta a drink and from that moment on they would become a couple and later marry…but not before Joseph had been drilled many times of his intentions by Roberta’s mother exactly when they were going to be married. Her mother was not out of sync. Parents often took a scrutinizing approach toward a daughter's suitor in 'those days.' Roberta would marry Joseph on March 25th 1961. Their holy matrimony was witnessed by her brother, Edward Franklin and her future sister-in-law, Mary E. Forbes. Roberta and Joseph would have their one and only child, Anthony Joseph Forbes. From that point on, it was "Them Against The World". Roberta worked at Brentwood Hospital for a short period of time before being hired by the Cuyahoga Department of Human Services where she was employed for 27 years in various positions; Case Worker, Assistant Coordinator, County Hearing Officer and lastly, as Trainer on all public assistance programs. She became a lifelong member of Werner United Methodist Church in Cleveland Ohio, which is now known as Celebration United Methodist. She would serve as the Church treasurer and become a member of the Church’s administrative council. She also was a member of the Echols of Grace, a church choir that brought her great joy. She would maintain a lifelong membership with the church, in good standing, although failing health and vision difficulties as well as taking care of her husband would eventually prevent her from physically attending. Roberta loved all kinds of music and unbeknownst to many, was a skillful pianist and able to play any song by ear and she often entertained her family, friends and neighbors with her remarkable gift. Roberta's love and knowledge of basketball would rival any basketball enthusiast. She and her nephew Doney, would often debate each other about players and their abilities whether it was college or professional basketball. Roberta deeply loved her immediate and extended family and was fully present and involved with them, lending a helping hand however she could, offering good solid advice, assisting family members in times of sickness and need, helping to make important decisions, and celebrating the special bond she had with her siblings and nieces and nephews through fun-filled gatherings that more than likely involved good music, (and they played it loud), finger-snapping and dancing and shouting and just having a great time. Her husband Joseph and son, Anthony, (a.k.a. Tony) were present at the family gatherings too and just as involved as Roberta, helping to create unforgettable memories. She eventually became an avid gardener and learned many of her gardening techniques from her co-worker, Rochelle. She would later join the Forest City Garden Club, where she expanded her knowledge of plants and flowers. Roberta was a very proud and independent woman. She led a relatively simple but productive life. She was very dependable, and was willing to lend her ear to those in distress. She was extremely intelligent, non-flighty, and no-nonsense. She was an extremely devoted wife, caring for her husband throughout his illness for several years. She was also a devoted friend. Her greatest joy in life was that of being a mother. She leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted son, Anthony Joseph Forbes, her brother-in-law, George Forbes and his wife, Mary Forbes, as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roberta I. Forbes, please visit our floral store. Read More

Roberta I. Forbes

April 25, 1937 - August 8, 2024