Deborah Renee Forrest

Deborah Renee (Cunningham) Forrest was born on April 7, 1964, to the late Theodore Charles and Dorothy Virginia (Lomax) Cunningham in Philadelphia, PA. Deborah was affectionately known as “Renee” in her younger years. She was the only daughter of six children and grew up alongside her five loving brothers: Theodore, Calvin, Gregory, Michael (Malik) and Reginald in the Spring Garden Apartments, 535 N Marshall Court to be exact. Deborah received her education through the Philadelphia Public School System, where she attended Kearney Elementary, Stoddart-Fleisher Junior High, and William Penn High School. While growing up, she enjoyed playing the flute, basketball, running track, hopscotch, jacks and simply enjoying life.  Her mother Dorothy dispensed tough love, with a caring hand and a kind heart to Deborah and her brothers. It would be this upbringing, which guided Deborah in motherhood as she had her first child, daughter Nakeya.  Deborah would have two more children, sons Tyreek and Jerrell.

Deborah worked several jobs throughout her life, touching people’s hearts and spirits everywhere she worked. Most notably, she worked for Bayada Home Health Care and Dunkin Donuts. While working at Dunkin Donuts, she not only delivered service with a smile, she would sometimes deliver service with a tongue lashing as well. If you knew Deborah, during those tongue lashings, it was more than likely, you were actually talking to “Renee”!   Deborah spent some time during her life navigating and overcoming various hurdles and obstacles, which could only be conquered by a strong-willed and tough-minded individual.  Deborah persevered and made it through. At this time she turned her life over to the Lord, allowing him to show her what her true calling was.

It was through her faith in the Lord she met the love of her life Fred Forrest Sr, and they were united in holy matrimony on March 12 1994. Deborah studied under several Pastors/Teachers most notably, Bishop Edward A. Thomas, Dr. Cynthia Jefferson, and John and Gayle Brozozwski. Deborah was strong in her convictions, she did not mind being a witness, and testifying about the goodness of the Lord. Deborah would preach the Bible to any and everyone who she came in contact with. She loved the Lord and was a true servant for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On Sunday August 19, 2018 she became Evangelist Deborah Forrest.

Deborah aspired to have her own ministry one day. Though she did not have enough time to achieve this goal, she ministered in unconventional ways. She was the Block Captain of 600 E. Wensley Street for several years, coordinating one of the best play streets in the City. Wensley Street was always used as a model across Philadelphia because of the way Deborah kept it organized. She was the neighborhood coordinator of the Summer Food Service program where she ensured the children in her neighborhood received nutritious lunches during the summer. On Thursday May 21, 2020 the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote an article, reporting on how Deborah provided daily food and activities for more than 50 children in her neighborhood, via the Wensley play street even through the pandemic. While running these programs, Deborah spread the word of God to all the people who came to Wensley Street.

On Thursday, February 24, 2022, God in his infinite wisdom called Evangelist Deborah Renee Forrest home to rest in the bosom of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Theodore and Calvin Cunningham.

Deborah leaves to cherish her fond memories: her husband Deacon Fred Forrest Sr., daughter Nakeya Cunningham, sons Sgt. Tyreek Cunningham, and Reverend Jerrell Lomax (Tia). Five grandchildren Jonicia, Jermya, Kyle, David, and Naomi. Two step children Lillian, and Fred Forrest Jr.  Three brothers Professor Malik (Michael) Abdullah (Carol), Gregory Cunningham, and Reginald Simmons (Tyra). Two nieces Natisha and Dominique. Five nephews Terrence, Gabriel, Kayden, Donte, and Jalen. Three Aunts Pearlena Bowman, Dorothy Lomax (South Carolina) Judy Irby (James) (South Carolina). One Uncle Reverend Dr. Steven Lomax (Francis) (South Carolina) and a host of cousins, great nieces, nephews and friends.

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