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Forris Anthony


Sunrise: August 9, 1934

Sunset: October 31, 2019

Deacon Emeritus Forris Anthony was born Thursday August 9, 1934 to the late Percy Sr. and Mary Anthony. He peacefully transitioned Thursday October 31, 2019 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was a native of Scotland Neck, NC and gave his life to Christ in 1943. He was baptized at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church (Scotland Neck), where Reverend Whitaker was the pastor.

Early on, he joined the United States Army and served for 3 years. Forris joined Shiloh Baptist Church, Norfolk, VA in the early 1960’s under the pastorate of Reverend Dr. John H. Foster. During his early years at Shiloh he served in the Music Ministry. He was ordained as Deacon at Shiloh Baptist Church in 1991 and served faithfully for 28 years. He was honored as Deacon Emeritus on September 15, 2019. Deacon Anthony was also a choir member, choir chaplain, Sunday school teacher and assistant director of the Family Life and Development Center, a member of the Health Care Ministry, the Male Chorus, President of the Senior Choir, member and later Chairperson of the Hampton

Roads Coalition, Co- Chairman of the Family Life Ministry. Deacon Anthony had a melodious baritone voice and often blessed the congregation by leading songs of praise. His favorite songs are “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” and “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me”. In addition to these songs his favorite scriptures are Psalms 23 and Revelation 21: 1-7. Forris was blessed to have worked at Norfolk Community Hospital for 3 years, Veterans  administration Hospital for 33 years and Norfolk Psychiatric Institution for 2 years. He served his community as a Mason with Brighten Rock Masonic Lodge #133, which is now Masonic Lodge #79, where he served as a Past Master Mason. Forris graciously served as a loyal husband, father, brother, uncle, neighbor, deacon, choir member and friend to countless individuals He always lived an honorable life touching many lives along the way with his humble, devoted and caring spirit. He was the youngest of seven children.

Forris loved cookies and anything sweet. His hobbies were gardening, “tinkling” and
helping others.

Forris was predeceased by his loving daughter Dr. Pamela Denise Anthony; his parents Percy and Mary Anthony; 4 siblings Odell Augborn, Clarence Anthony, Percy Anthony, Jr. and James Anthony.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory, his beautiful wife of 58 years, Violet Anthony and son Darryl Anthony; his siblings Rolister Jones and Mittie Gary; a special niece Alyssa Edwards; his in-laws O’Bern Davis, Jr. (Shirley), Viola Browne, John H. Davis, Alice Hunter, Mary Wright (Clarence), Penny Davis, Millie Baskins, Emma Kimbrough, Joyce Kimbrough (Lemmie) and a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and church family.

Viewing Thursday, November 7, 2019 Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Service Friday, November 8, 2019 2:00pm Shiloh Baptist Church 745 Park Avenue Norfolk, VA 23504 Interment Greenlawn Memorial Gardens 3920 Airline Boulevard Chesapeake, VA 23320

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Condolences(5)

  1. reply
    Cheryl Owens! says

    To the Harris and Anthony family:
    I consider myself family. With that, know that I laugh when you laugh and mourn when you mourn. Today, my heart aches for you. With the little time I spent with your uncle over the years, I was able to get a peek of his grandness. He was an angel in a human shell! Please accept my sincerest condolences! ???

    • reply
      Cassie Harris says

      Thank you Cheryl, he will truly be missed ❤️

  2. reply
    TaMara Rembert says

    My Deepest Condolences to the Harris & Anthony family! May God’s Love comfort you in this time. Love you all!
    The Rembert Family!!??❤

  3. reply
    Freddie Green, Shiloh says

    My deepest sympathy to the Anthony family. Deacon Anthony set the example for me of how a true Christian gentleman is suppose to live for Christ by giving of his time and many gifts unconditionally. Deacon Anthony spent time with my wife and me in prayer through her years of impairment until the Lord called her home for which I’m eternally grateful. Deacon Anthony was indeed a great Soldier in the Army of the Lord. In the midst of our mourning, Deacon Anthony left us with his great life to CELEBRATE and cherish forever. My prayers are with the entire Anthony family at this time of bereavement.

  4. reply
    Marge Irwin says

    Dear Anthony Family, My deepest sympathy and prayers during your time of bereavement. May you feel the love of God as He comfort and gives you strength.

    God Bless!

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