Obituary of Jacqueline Claudette Forrest

Jacqueline C. Forrest (nee Wilkins) transitioned from labor to reward on January 7, 2022, surrounded by her loving and devoted children. "Jackie" or "GiGi", as she was affectionately called, was born March 8, 1934, in Atlantic City, New Jersey to the late Elizabeth and Edward Wilkins, Jr. A lifelong native of Atlantic City, Jackie attended the Atlantic City Public School System. Upon completion of that education, she entered the workforce. Her longest running place of employment was at the renowned Zaberers Restaurant in (then) McKee City (now Egg Harbor Township). Upon its demise in the mid 1980s, which was when Atlantic City casinos evolved, Jackie then pursued careers in the casino industry, retiring from the security department at Showboat Casino Hotel in 1999. GiGi had a great appreciation for the art of music. Her most cherished song during her favorite family holiday, Christmas, was the Temptations' version of "Silent Night." She also relished in her love for dancing and was never shy when it came to demonstrating her "footwork" on ANY dance floor. Walmart, ShopRite, Boscov's & Dollar Tree were her "HOBBIES" for she looked forward to weekly visits to her favorite stores. Although she would spend hours in each of them, she walked out with just a few items most of the time. Every weeknight she was glued to the television at 7:30pm sharp waiting for "Wheel of Fortune." She would look at the clock and say, "turn to Channel 6 please!" Lastly, spending quality time with her children and grandchildren was what she adored the most. Jacqueline was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Frank B. Forrest, Sr.; five brothers, Edward III, Floyd, Bernard, Howard, and Daniel Wilkins; two sisters, Constance McLeod and Joan Buell; and one sister-in-law, Marion Wilkins. Jacqueline leaves to treasure her loving memories: her three doting children, son Frank B. (Laura) Forrest, Jr. of Mays Landing, New Jersey, and daughters, Pamela L. Forrest of Atlantic City and Shawn E. Forrest of Pleasantville, New Jersey; seven grandchildren, special grandson Frank Taylor, Kareem Taylor, Omar Taylor, Shardah Forrest-Byard, special granddaughter Tamia Forrest, Kenya Forrest and Isiah Pettus; fourteen great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter "Sevyn"; her great grandson "Chase", is who she adopted the name "GiGi" from, and he held an extra special place in her heart; one beloved sister, Shirley P. (James) Mays of Pleasantville, New Jersey; and one beloved brother, Hon. Retired Master Sergeant, Zaddie R. Wilkins of Augusta, Georgia. Our mother will surely be missed by a host of relatives and friends.