Bessie Lee Forrest

Bessie Lee Forrest, a native of Norfolk, Virginia passed into eternal life peacefully on Friday, January 12, 2024. “Miss Bessie Lee;” as she was affectionately known by the peers of her children in the Berkley neighborhood of Norfolk, Virginia, was a product of the Norfolk Public Schools system. In 1966, after completing Norfolk City Schools and Norfolk General Hospital’s School of Practical Nursing, Ms. Forrest enjoyed a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, retiring years later from Lake Taylor City Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the daughter and last surviving child of the late Bessie Newsome Hendricks and the late James Hendricks. In union with first husband Walter Sykes, Jr. Ms. Forrest was the mother of the late Walter Sykes, III and her surviving son Carlton L. Sykes. She is also survived by a step son, Ambro E. Forrest, who joined the family with her second marriage to the late Robert Milton Forrest. By all accounts, she was a devoted mother who provided exceptionally for her children while maintaining a loving, vibrant home environment. Ms. Forrest was an avid reader who imparted a love of language, literature and precise enunciation and definition skills to her children, grandchildren, and all who came in contact with her. She will long be remembered for her swift, “frank speaking” retorts and the easy ability to laugh. She also valued and expected absolute honesty from the people in her life. As a life-long member of the New Hope congregation, she served in various capacities; including the Usher and Trustee Boards. Her great love for teaching was evident in her years of service as Sunday school teacher. She not only contributed to the spiritual growth of class members, but also encouraged them to appreciate the pronunciation and definitions of words. In addition to her beloved son, Carlton, she leaves to cherish her memory: bestfriend, Ms. Mary Hamilton; sister-in-law, Barbara Hendricks of McDonough, Georgia; a devoted nephew, Charles Alston, Jr.; a devoted niece, Marsha G. Hill; adopted daughters, Isalene Anderson and Vyone Key; grandchildren, Michael A. Sykes (Sharon) of Chesapeake; Zackeya R. Sykes (Kenay) of South Carolina; Keith L. Sykes of Atlanta, Georgia; Shay L. Sykes of Tennessee; Michelle Ballard of Hampton; and Malcon Sykes of Maryland; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. “Ma Bessie” as she came to be known in her later years gave her life to Christ many years ago. She lived an exemplary life of service to God and man. While her absence in the flesh may be profoundly disruptive to us, we believe that she is now at home, at rest with loved ones and in the care of our loving God. To God be the glory! A special thanks to the care team of Vyone Key, Ruth Cheek, Calvetta Sumner, and Agape Love Home Health Care.