Sherrena J. Forester – age 82 of Springfield, VA passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Donald W. Forester.
She is survived by her two daughters Julia Stapor (Kurt) of Springfield, VA and Laura Hunt of Franklin, TN; grandchildren Jennifer Sanders (Cody), Abigail Weikert, Alexander Weikert, Nicholas Weikert, and Sebastian Weikert; Sister Jennilyn Lester of Oak Ridge, TN; sister-in-laws Carolyn Dodson of Morristown, TN, and Sandra Moore of Church Hill, TN; and many nieces and nephews.
Sheena was born in Knoxville, TN and grew up in the small town of Coalfield, TN. She was a graduate of Coalfield School. She attended Berea College in Berea, KY, the first person in her family to attend college. While at Berea she met and married her husband, Don. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. She went on to have a long career as an elementary school teacher, teaching grades 3 – 6, within the public school system. During her career she taught in Tennessee, Georgia, and lastly Virginia for over 30 years. She was a highly regarded and beloved teacher to thousands of students, several who stayed in touch with her into adulthood.
She was a member of Westwood Baptist Church for over 50 years, where she served as a deacon, vacation Bible school teacher, and on many committees. She continued to lead a Bible study group of high school girls until shortly before her death. She was a lifelong Democrat and supported candidates on the local, state, and national level. She was a proud breast cancer survivor and made blankets for patients and hosted many events for fellow survivors.
Sheena loved to shop and was admired for her style and taste. She enjoyed transforming her home with festive displays of seasonal décor throughout the year. She had a passion for entertaining and was a noted hostess throwing countless holiday parties, showers, and receptions in her home. She was an avid sports fan who especially enjoyed rooting for the Tennessee Volunteers Football team, Lady Vols Basketball, Washington Redskins/Commanders, and the Washington Nationals. She also enjoyed traveling and attending theater and music performances. She adored children. She was a doting grandmother and was a frequent babysitter for children of family and friends. Her refrigerator was covered with photos of her “little friends” throughout the years. She was beloved in her neighborhood, where she lived for over 40 years.
Sheena was a woman of great class and style, a fierce supporter of her children and grandchildren, a devoted friend, and a steadfast Christian in word and deed. She fought to maintain her independence and to contribute to her community for as long as she was able. She was greatly loved and respected by all who knew her and she will be sorely missed!
A Memorial Service and Reception will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 11 am at Westwood Baptist Church in Springfield, VA. Additionally, in Knoxville, TN on Saturday, December 17, 2022 a Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 am at Bridges Funeral Home, followed by interment beside her beloved husband Don, at Greenwood Cemetery at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her honor to: The Don Forester Scholarship Fund at Westwood Baptist Church, the Alzheimer’s Association, Insight Memory Care Center in (Fairfax, VA), and the Cancer Research Institute. Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com
July 1 1940 November 22 2022
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sherrena J Forester July 1 1940 November 22 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Knoxville, Province: T-N