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BORN
1948
DIED
2025
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Iyonne Forbes Obituary
Iyonne Maria Forbes passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, held on each side by the loving care of her two sons. She was the epitome of class and kindness. A self-starter who raised two boys and touched many lives through a long career as an educator. She was loved and cherished by many.
Iyonne was born on July 22, 1948, to Luisa Henry Bennet and Herman Lewis in Colon City, Republic of Panama (R.P.). She was the only child to her mother and was known to be the life of a party, unselfish with her sharing, with a magnetic personality and while always doing the right thing she understood that perfection was the enemy of good!
Raised from humble beginnings, Iyonne was an A-student through high school. She started her professional career as a substitute teacher in the country of Panama and as a true trailblazer in the mid-60s continued to further her education. While sustaining a career and caring for her young children she completed and was awarded a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Panama – an accomplishment not common among her contemporaries. Iyonne emigrated to the Unites States in 1983 and quickly showed her tenacity. She held two full time jobs, one as an assistant at a foot clinic and the other as a substitute teacher, and despite many professional and personal challenges managed to earn a master’s degree in early childhood education from Medgar Evers University in New York City. She eventually became a permanent teacher and rose through the ranks at St. Marks Day School in New York City where she ended her career as a principal and the lead administrator for the early-childhood school. Upon her retirement, the St. Mark’s Day School Forbes-Smith Library was opened and dedicated to her and her co-principal in honor of their accomplishments and with whom she formed a lifelong bond.
To the countless students whose lives she touched whether in the classroom, as an administrator, tutor, or Sunday school teacher, be certain that she spoke of you and always remembered you dearly. She had a remarkable way of remembering so many intricate details of your lives. Details that she shared with her family not so much for any pride in anything she did, but for the excitement of knowing all that you did. Her greatest joy was seeing you navigating your way through life. Her sense of duty was adorned with her infinite love and caring for others, especially children!
Iyonne is survived by her husband Clemente Forbes, her two sons Carlos and Sergio McKenzie, her daughters in law Elizabeth and Rossana McKenzie, and her four grandchildren Alex, Brian, Nathan, and Julian McKenzie.
While family and friends hurt for her passing, we know that she is in a better place!
Visitation Services will be held on Sunday March 23, 2025 at Becker Funeral Home in Clermont, Florida (5pm – 8pm)
Funeral Services at Better Life Worship Center, 332 Mohawk Rd, Clermont, FL 34715 on Monday March 24, 2025 (9am) followed by burial at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Copy and Paste the URL shown below for video streaming of the service:
https://www.youtube.com/@betterlifeworshipcenter
Memories and Condolences
for Iyonne Forbes
Daira Schaffer
March 24, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dee and James Schaffer
Nadine and Andrea McClaren Oakley
March 24, 2025
You were light in our lifes.
Luis McClaren
March 24, 2025
Iyonee, I'll never forget your smart words and your caring love, like my mother. Blessing.
Titin.
Stacey Johnson
March 23, 2025
I want to extend sincere condolences to the family. I met Mrs. Forbes when I became a teacher at St. Mark’s Lower School. Throughout my tenure there Mrs. Forbes became a great mentor and friend. She always had kind words of encouragement and a smile. Even after I moved on in my career we remained in touch. She would message me periodically to check in on my daughter Steffani and I. I am glad that my life was touched by hers. It was truly a pleasure to know her. May God bless you all. I am praying for your comfort and strength at this difficult time.
How you can show support
Yvette McDonald
March 23, 2025
May you all find comfort in the beautiful memories.
Venus Knights
March 23, 2025
Psalm 91: 1-2 says, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High. Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God;in him will I trust."
To the family, put your trust in God and He will give you the strength and comfort during these difficult.
Hyacinth Mullings
March 22, 2025
Ms Forbes you will be surely missed.RIP.
Derick Smith
March 22, 2025
Partner you will surely be missed! But your assignment on earth has come to an end. God has summoned you for higher services. Your legacy will certainly live on through the lives of your sons and their extended families .I am sure there will challenges but you have instilled in them two great cultural values in them i.e the Panamanian and American values. I am implore the family take great care of Clemente as my travel Partner would have expected. Partner you were a dependable, reliable & well respected person @ St. Mark's Day School. To be frank you gave that institution more than your all. As we celebrate your life and legacy travel safely to heaven's gate where a host of ,families and friends await youas God utter the words " welcome home thou good & faithful servant!" Rest in peace Partner!
Mr and Mrs Herbert and Geneva Hodges
March 21, 2025
May you rest in peace from:
Dr. Denton Black
March 18, 2025
Iyonne was a warm, caring and a wonderful friend and coworker. Iyonne and I worked together for over 20 years at St Marks Day School , during these times she was one who brought sunshine into every room, a laughter that would lift everyone's spirit and a heart filled with boundless kindness. Your presence was a gift and your friendship was a treasure. It is as if I can still hear your voice calling across the room, " negro". Though you may be gone, your memories will live on in the laughter and stories we shared.
Christine Vanderwesthuizen
March 17, 2025
Iyonne, your kindness, wisdom and warmth touched so many lives, and I feel grateful to have known you. Your laughter, your strength, and the way you made everyone feel special will never be forgotten. Though you are no longer with us in person, your spirit and love will always remain in our hearts. Rest peacefully dear friend - you are deeply missed and forever cherished.
Christine Vanderwesthuizen
Aka Mrs. West
Leonardo Blake
March 15, 2025
El tiempo de Dios es perfecto. Que el Señor le de fortaleza a Sergio y Carlos y familia por esta irreparable perdida. May her soul rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Memorial Events
for Iyonne Forbes
Mar
23
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Becker Funeral Home - Clermont806 W. Minneola Ave. P.O. Box 120864, Clermont, FL 34711
Funeral services provided by:
Becker Funeral Home - Clermont806 W. Minneola Ave. P.O. Box 120864, Clermont, FL 34711
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