Matthew Forney Memorial Program

a h o m e g o i n g
c e l e b r a t i o n
f o r
Matthew Christopher
FORNEY
Sunrise: May 17, 1977 • Sunset: June 3, 2025
Sunday, June 8, 2025 | 3:00 pm
Living Water Community Church
166 N. Little Texas Road
Kannapolis, North Carolina

Matthew Christopher Forney was born on May 17, 1977, in Cabarrus
County to Matthew Forney and Lottie Chambers Forney. He
unexpectedly entered eternal rest on June 3, 2025.
At an early age, he joined Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church and was
baptized. Chris was well-known for his generous heart and joyful spirit. He
loved music and singing and he participated on the South Rowan varsity
choir for four years and he loved singing The Lord Bless You and Keep You.
He also enjoyed playing video games, watching football and eating pizza.
He graduated from South Rowan High School, class of 1995. He briefly
attended Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. He was employed at Shoe
Show Warehouse, S&D Coffee and was currently employed by Pactiv.
Chris was a loving husband to his wife Elizabeth and a
devoted son to his parents. He and his sister, Lesley shared
a special bond, and he was extremely fond of his only
niece, McKinley Lynch.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Reverend
J.E. Chambers, Geneva Huntley Chambers, Willie
Mae Donaldson Chambers, Daniel Forney and
Frances McKinley Forney.
He leaves to cherish fond memories, his wife
Elizabeth (Kannapolis), his parents Matthew
and Lottie Forney (Kannapolis), his sister Lesley
Forney (Kannapolis), three stepchildren Oshua,
Aaliyah and Jada Miller (Kannapolis), niece
McKinley Lynch (Kannapolis), four grandsons, and
a host of relatives, family and friends.
Though his earthly journey has come to an end, Chris’s
life remains a light in the hearts of those who were
blessed to know him.
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program online

ORDER OF SERVICE
Rev. Maurice Y. Jones, Officiating
Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church
Minister Megan Rhyne-Cousar, Eulogist
First Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
Prelude................................................................................................Mr. Zane Alexander
Processional...........................................................................................Clergy and Family
Receiving of Friends............................................................................................ 2:00-2:50
Invocation.........................................................................................Rev. Maurice Y. Jones
Opening Hymn..............................................................................................Congregation
Scripture Readings:
Old Testament (Psalm 23)............................................................................ Minister
New Testament (John (14:1-3)...................................................................... Minister
Prayer of Comfort.............................................................................Rev. Maurice Y. Jones
Song Selection............................................................................. Josiah Garlin and Family
Reflections and Remarks......................................................... Clergy, Family and Friends
Acknowledgements & Reading of Cards (Silent reading of obituary)...... Ms. Elena B. Elder
Selection.............................................................................................The Roseman Family
Eulogy.................................................................................Minister Megan Rhyne-Cousar
Chant: “The Lord Bless You and Keep You, Sevenfold Amen”...Former SRHS Students
Morticians’ Brief.............................................................................Life Celebration
Recessional.................................................................................................I’m Free
Repast....................................................Sandy Ridge AME Zion Church (Fellowship Hall)
INTERMENT
Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery
Landis, NC

YOU’RE FREE NOW
You were only 48—
and life didn’t always make things easy.
Some days were light, some were heavy.
But you kept going.
You laughed, you tried. And still.
I believe God saw it all—
not just what went wrong—
but your heart, your kindness, your hope.
When it was time,
He didn’t count mistakes—
He just welcomed you into love and peace.
I miss you deeply.
But I’m grateful you’re at peace.
And I’ll carry your memory with love,
for all my days.
Acknowledgement
The family of Matthew extends our deepest
gratitude for your prayers, comforting words,
and acts of kindness during this time of loss.
Your support has brought light to our hearts
and strength to our souls. May God bless each
of you with the same love and peace you have
shown us.
With love,
The Family
Professional Services Entrusted To:
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