Helen Ruth Forrest, 74, of Rock Island, died peacefully Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family.  A funeral service will be 11 am Friday, June 23, 2023, at Second Baptist Church, Rock Island.  Visitation will be from 4-6 pm Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island.  Burial will take place at Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island.  A repast will follow the burial.  Memorials may be made in care of the family.

Helen was born in Louisville, Mississippi on August 26, 1948, a daughter of William and Wardean Smith Lampkin.  She married Ronnie Forrest on May 20, 2000 at Second Baptist Church, Rock Island.

Helen worked at Eagles Warehouse and XPAC packaging in Milan, Illinois.

Helen was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church, Rock Island.  In her earlier years, she sang in the choir - Ultimate Sounds, served as President of Trustee Helpers Ministries and was also lead over re-pass ministries.

Helen loved Betty Boop, crafts, shoes, jewelry, crossword puzzles and especially loved her family.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 23 years, Ronnie Forrest, Rock Island; daughter, Stephanie Hawthorne, Rock Island; son, Gerald Hawthorne, Rock Island; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Janice Lampkin, Racine, Wisc.; a special niece, Lamonica "Pooh" Fallon, Moline; nephews, Carl (Joanne) Lampkin Jr., Rock Island, Cory Lampkin, Rock Island, Chris Lampkin, Racine, Wisc., Damen (Carrie) Lampkin, Racine, Wisc. and Donald Fallon; stepchildren, Latishia Forrest, Rock Island, Mario and Jason Forrest, Rock Island; and a host of cousins and aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Carl Lampkin Sr. and Glen A. Lampkin and sister, Nadine Lampkin Gay.

Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com