A Life Well Lived

Doris "Madear" Forge was born on January 13, 1931 in Mexia, TX to her father and mother, William Smith and Elsie Mildred Beatrice Carter. Doris was her mother's only child but grew up closely to her first cousin, Ella Waters. The two were like sisters. She went on to marry Willie D. Forge and had eight children: Willie D., Jr.; Beverly Forge; Vikki Forge; Gerry Forge; Deborah Forge; Melonie Forge; Mitzi Forge; and Ronald Forge.

With ambition, drive, and determination, Doris decided to move to Dallas, TX with dreams for a better life. A devout woman of God, she found a church home for herself and her children in Warren United Methodist Church. She believed firmly in the Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This sums up the Law". And, in doing so, Doris became a pillar in the church and even sang in the choir.

After moving to Dallas, Doris also went back to get her GED and was blessed to begin working for the War on Poverty, later being renamed the Dallas Action Community Network, as a Community Liaison. She lived out her faith, working with community members to advocate for their rights. She fed, clothed, and provided shelter for the homeless. With a big heart, she gave so much of herself to others. Believing that it takes a village to raise a child, she became such a pillar in the city of Dallas, that many in the community deemed her a second mother. She also helped organize living communities, parks, and schools throughout Southern Dallas, placing 3rd for the Dallas' Woman of the Year Award, a major recognition and great honor. During this time, she also went on to attend some college at El Centro College and later on, Southern Methodist University (SMU).

Doris valued education and understood the opportunities that become available with a good education. She taught her children to value education as well and they became involved with the Dallas Community Action Youth Program, mentoring and providing activities for several youth in the Dallas Southern sector. They all went on to college; her five daughters attended the reputable Bishop College where they majored in Business and Education. Her sons received football scholarships to NCAA Division I schools, Iowa State and Tennessee State.

Doris was very proud of their hard work and they all went on to have successful careers in their fields, receiving many professional awards and recognition.

Upon retirement, Doris went on to help raise her grandchildren: Keenon Forge Clarkson, Kyron Forge Brooks, Kelli Forge Bradford, Kyle Forge, Korynn Forge, Keegan Forge, Kellen Forge, London Forge, and Brandon Forge. They lovingly referred to her as "Madear". When her grandkids were old enough to attend school, Doris began working as a crossing guard for Dallas ISD, continuing to give back to the community.

In her latter years, she enjoyed the company of her family, including her great-grandchildren, and continued to keep in touch with many friends and leaders in the City of Dallas, writing letters, giving advice and encouragement, and sharing in the joys of life in Christ.

Having preceded her in death, she has now joined her mother and father, Elsie and William, in Heaven, along with her Aunt Ella; daughters, Vikki and Mitzi; and her grandsons, Kyle, Keenon, and Kyron. Those who will cherish her memories on Earth are her children: Beverly, Gerry, Deborah, Melonie, and Ronald; her grandchildren: Kelli, Korynn, Keegan, Kellen, London, and Brandon; her great-grandchildren: King, Kendon, Kylar, and Brandon II; her cousin Ella; and her extended family, the Bass and Mooring families.