Janice Mayberry Forbes

Janice Tallulah Mayberry Forbes

May 15, 1934 to July 11, 2025

Janice Tallulah Mayberry Forbes of Clewiston, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on July 11, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was 91. 

Janice was born in Atlanta, Georgia on May 15, 1934. She was the eldest child of Thomas and Edna Mayberry of Society Hill, Alabama. Raised in Ocala, Florida, Janice met her late husband, Dr. James D. Forbes, while attending Ocala High School. They were wed on December 23, 1951 at the First Baptist Church in Ocala, where Janice was a pianist. Janice and Jimmie then moved to Atlanta, Georgia to continue Jimmie’s undergraduate and medical career at Emory University Medical School. Following his residency, they relocated to Clewiston, Florida in 1964.

Janice devoted her entire life to her Lord Jesus and her faith was her greatest passion. Every aspect of her life was a reflection of her faith. Janice shared this passion with family, friends, and her community. She taught Sunday school, led youth groups, mentored people in faith, and hosted Bible studies in her home until her last days. As Janice experienced trials in life, she learned to lean on Christ in every situation and instilled her unrelenting faith in others who were experiencing their own trials. Janice attended classes at Dunklin Memorial Camp which led to leading Overcomers, where she was able to impart her faith and knowledge on living a Christ-centered life. She also taught family life classes at Cross Training Ministries and served on their Board for many years. 

Janice was also known for her beautiful tropical garden, where she maintained bromeliads, ferns, orchids, and many other plants. She was a founding member of the “Green Thumb” Garden Club, where she shared her love and knowledge of plants. She loved sewing for her daughters and needlepointing. Janice greatly enjoyed sharing holidays and celebrations with family and friends and was known for her ever-expanding dining table.

Janice is preceded in death by her high-school sweetheart, the late Dr. James D. Forbes. She is survived by her brother, Tom Mayberry, and her three children: James Davis Forbes (Missy), Mary Forbes Edwards (Chipper), and Jennifer Forbes White (Kingman); and lifelong friend and daughter in Christ: Sue Wolpert.  She was the beloved grandmother of Susan, J.D., Eric, Nathan, Jeffrey, Samuel, Elliott and Sara; and loving great-grandmother to 12 children.

A Celebration of Janice’s life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11:00am at the Methodist Church of Clewiston (331 W. Osceola Avenue, Clewiston, FL 33440). 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Cross Training Ministries, 525 East El Paso Avenue, Clewiston, FL 33440 or by clicking here.