Heaven's garden gained another flower today. Neota Elizabeth Forrest, 73, of Ridge, MD, born July 23, 1939 died Sunday, March 24, 2013 at her residence.

She was the daughter of the late James Clark and Nellie A. (Mattingly) Jones.

Prior to her marriage, she was employed at an answering service and The Hecht Company in Arlington, VA. In 1965, she married Joseph Leonard Forrest of Ridge whom she claimed was the love of her life. He preceded her in death.

She enjoyed shopping and was an avid flower gardener. Spring was her favorite season and her gardens were full of many different colored and types of flowers. She always saw the good in people and was kind to everyone. She made friends wherever she went. Giving gifts gave her such pleasure; she never forgot anyone and gave until she couldn't give any more. Her greatest joys were her son, Joseph, and being surrounded by family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Joseph Leonard Forrest II, and daughter-in-law, Donna, of Mechanicsville; granddaughters, Cari Toman, of Mechanicsville and Nicki Toman, of La Plata; great-granddaughter Peyton Marie, of La Plata; sisters, Mary Ann Forrest, Mildred Garland, Mildred Ingram, Lillian Howard and brother, James Jones; brothers-in-law, Melvin, John and Ben Forrest; sister-in-law, Minnie Forrest and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Marianne Brown officiating at Trinity Episcopal Church, 47477 Trinity Church Road, St. Mary's City, MD 20686.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Cecilia Church Food Pantry, P.O. Box 429, St. Mary's City, MD 20686.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.