Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | MS

Obituary For Elijah Forkner

Funeral services will be Friday, July 3, 2020 at 11:30 a.m., Garden Memorial Park, 8001 Highway 49, Jackson, MS 39209.

Mr. Elijah Forkner entered his earthly life on October 28, 1935 as the first child of Junus Forkner and Eveliner Cosey. He spent his childhood in the Bay Ridge Community where he was reared by his beloved “Aunt Shep” and Uncle Jessie. As a young boy, Elijah attended Bay Ridge Elementary. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding horses and shooting BB guns with cousin/best friend, Johnny Harris. The two spent a lot of time together and formed a friendship which lasted a lifetime. Elijah attended Johnson High School, where he played football and basketball. Elijah spent time working and traveling in New Orleans and Baton Rouge during his late teen, early adult years. Elijah attended Coahoma Junior College on a football scholarship and continued his college education at Jackson State University in Jackson, MS. He studied education receiving both Bachelors and Masters degrees. It was during this time that he met the former Juanita Rose Lawyer, also an aspiring teacher, who would later become his wife. During this time, he worked on civil rights campaigns with Medgar Evers and the NAACP. He also pledged Kappa Alpha Psi during this time, becoming a life time member. Mr. Forkner taught school for thirty years in the Jackson Public School System, where he touched the lives of many students by instilling hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. Elijah was well-loved and respected in his community. A barber since childhood, Elijah cut hair throughout college, setting up a barber chair in both the boys’ and girls’ dorms. He later became a licensed cosmetologist in order to care for his daughters’ hair. He took pride in doing roller sets producing beautiful bouncing curls. Elijah’s barbershop was a place of community, political banter, stories of hunting and fishing, laughter, and a place to gather with old and new friends. After retiring from teaching, Elijah spent his time taking fishing trips, hosting card games, calling and visiting friends and tending to his beloved gardens. He loved planting many flowers, fruits trees, and vegetables. Anyone visiting would leave with an armful of garden gifts. Elijah enjoyed traveling, cooking and baking, especially pecan pies, sweet potato pies and his famous red velvet cakes during the holidays. Elijah was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 54 years, Juanita Rose Forkner; parents, Junus Forkner and Eveliner Williams; step-father, Columbus Williams, Sr., aunt and uncle, Jessie and Stella Harris (Shep); aunt, Alice Johnson; grandparents, J.H. Cosey and Betsy Cosey; in laws, Cyrus and Lillie Lawyer; and special friends, Newton Handy, Kelly Graham, Reverend Jessie Sutton, Jr., and Robert L.T. Smith. Elijah leaves to cherish his memory his children, Gertrude Lawrence, Gregory Lawrence (April), Winfred Forkner, Jewel Forkner, Mimi Kaye Forkner-Berry (John), Betsy Rose Randolph (Alfred), and Tamika Anne Forkner (Joseph Evans); siblings, Horace Williams, Hazel Stewart, Columbus Stewart, and Walter Williams; and a host of grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friends. Mr. Forkner entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 26, 2020 at the age of 84.

Guest Book

So sad to read of Mr. Forkner's passing. He was a great person and an outstanding friend to me. He will be missed. My condolences to his family. Kathleen McKinney and family.

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Mr.Forkner was like a father to me. We became friends in 1995 when I first moved to Jackson MS. His advice was always helpful as he cut my hair. I know he is with God now and looking out for all his friends and family God Bless you and thank you for being my friend Jeffrey C Jamison Spirit Automotie

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Hey, Grandad I miss you. I know you are resting now and showing everyone your wings. Im certain you are making sure the gardens in heaven are well kept and bountiful. -Diamond

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Rest In Peace. Sincere condolences to the Forkner Family. The Henrietta Martin family

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We are saddened about the passing of Forkner which is the name we always called him. He was one of Marvin's long time friends and Barber for many years when his shop was on Lynch Street. We have fond memories of going to football games together in past years. We extend our sincere condolences to the entire family. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mau he rest in peace. Marvin and Beverly Hogan

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Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Prayers for your family during this unimaginable grief. May God comfort you as only He can. Althea F. Woodson

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SO SORRY TO HEAR OF MR FORKNER PASSING. HE WAS MY BARBER FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS. I FOUND HIM TO BE A MAN OF WISDOM KNOWLEDGE AND GOOD UNDERSTANDING. WE SHARED OUT LOVE FOR ALABAMA FOOTBALL AND GOLDEN STATE BASKETBALL TEAMS. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND LOVED ONES DURING THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME. TIME WANT FIX HOW YOU ARE YOU FEELING FAMILY, BUT GOD, IN TIME WILL!! MILTON MYLES BRANDON,MISS

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.