Evelyn "Evy" Forrest

In loving memory of Evelyn A. Davis Forrest who passed away peacefully at her Great Falls home, Monday, July 18, 2016. Evelyn; commonly known as sista; was born on July 6, 1937 in Warrenton, North Carolina to Ada and Thomas Davis. After moving to Norfolk, Virginia and enrolling for school at Booker T. Washington High School, she met the love of her life, Harvey Bernard Forrest Sr. Evelyn was on the National Honor Society and was a member of Tau Beta Sigma Organization. Being married to a military man, she was able to experience living in many places including; Little Rock, Arkansas, Topeka, Kansas and Lompoc, California. Eventually she moved to Great Falls, Montana in 1968 and decided to stay. Evelyn attended several colleges including; Virginia State College, Alan Hancock, Chapman College and the University of California while working towards her goal. She completed her BS in history and philosophy at the College of Great Falls. Evelyn taught in the Catholic school system, as well as the Great Falls "public" School District for several years. She discovered a second interest in playing poker, eventually leading her into becoming a successful card room operator. She went on to manage card rooms for several years in Billings, Colstrip, Dutton, and Great Falls, Montana. Her entrepreneurial interest led her buying rental properties and eventually her own bar called the Teton Tavern in Dutton, Montana. She also tried her hand at catering, running a restaurant and a food wagon where she became known for her Indian tacos. Evelyn loved to cook and once you had a taste of her food you wanted more. People were always asking her for her recipes.Evelyn had an interval role in implementing the Ungraded System and the PACE program at St. Joseph Catholic School. She also developed the curriculum and introduced the first Afro-American history class at Great Falls High School. Evelyn taught and was on the board of directors of the Friendship Inn. Under her guidance, they were able to incorporate and the name was changed to Friendship Social Center in 1972. This center assisted low income groups in many facets, such as obtaining funds to educate and train. Evelyn was invited to provide input on the filming of a documentary film on blacks in the Northwest dating as far back as 1870's. This film was funded by a grant from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.Everyone who met Evelyn easily took a liking to her. She was a people person that enjoyed socializing, telling stories plus sharing a joke or two. Evelyn was a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, as well as teacher, friend and mentor to so many who was always willing to help others.Evelyn is survived by her loving husband of 61 years Harvey Bernard Forrest, a brother Owen Davis of Virginia Beach, Virginia, her children Verle (Vincent) Martin of Las Vegas, Nevada, Bernard Forrest Jr. of Great Falls, Montana, Terrie McCauley of Las Vegas, Nevada, Dana Forrest of Great Falls, Montana, Cory (Kristen) Forrest of Las Vegas, Nevada. Her grandchildren, Brandon Forrest, Briana Forrest, Amber Forrest Hall, Maurice, Jamal, and Asante Martin and great grandchildren Juane Hall, Avaleena Martin of Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as a host of nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law, cousins and friends that span from Great Falls and across the United States. Evelyn was preceded in death by her eldest daughter Deborah Forrest.We love you Evelyn and you will be missed dearly, but your spirit and memory will be in our hearts forever, your loving family.Viewing will be Friday, July 29, 2016 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the funeral service will be Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel.