Errol Delano Forte

On February 14, 1951 Errol Delano Forte was born to the parents of Henderson Forte and Hattie George-Forte in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Errol accepted Christ at an early age and after he completed college, joined King’s Temple in 1973 at 312 Florida Street, known as “The Store Front”.  The present structure, King’s Temple M.B. Church was built in 1981 and he remained a faithful member until his death, serving as an Angelic Church Leader and Musician, Organist for the Sanctuary Choir, Secretary/Treasurer of the Trustee Board.  He was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Nancy Forte, on June 15, 1974.  Nancy preceded him in death.

Forte attended Elementary and High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  After Errol graduated high school, he attended Rust College in Holly Springs, MS where he earned his teaching degree in music.  After graduation, he was employed by the Lafayette County School District, Coahoma County School District and the Clarksdale Municipal School District as a music teacher.  He retired after 28 + years of service.  He touched the lives of many children, teaching them to believe in his motto, Merry Christmas”, Christmas is 365 days a year.

Forte was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, pledging undergrad at Rust College (Gamma Psi Chapter), located in Holly Springs, MS.  He later became a charter member in the establishment of the Clarksdale Graduate Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Eta Zeta Sigma).  Forte also was instrumental in the establishment of the Sigma Beta Club of Clarksdale, and also served as the advisor for many years. 

God saw Errol’s body getting weary and tired and called him from this earthly journey and transitioned him into His heavenly rest on March 21, 2021 at Bolivar Medical Center in Cleveland, Mississippi.  Errol fought a good fight, he finished his course, and he kept the faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to him at that day.  II Timothy 4:6-8.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Nancy Johnson Forte, his parents, Henderson and Hattie George Forte and his older brother Charles Forte.

Visitation will be Saturday March 27, 2021 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM at King's Temple M.B. Church, 1402 Lyon Ave., Clarksdale, MS 38614.  The Celebration of Life will be Sunday March 28, 2021, 2:00 PM, at Union Grove M.B. Church, 2237 North State Street, Clarksdale, MS 38614.  Burial will follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery, Lyon, MS.  Rev. Edward T. Thomas is the officiant.  Rev. L.C. Tyler, II is pastor.  

Errol leaves his legacy to his Daughter, Brenda Forte, his Baby Brother, Kevin Forte, Sisters, Barbara (Robert) Myles, and Bonnie Forte.  Nieces, Raven (Vincent) Myles, DeLanie (Laron) Forte-Numa, Ellen (Derrick) Evans, Nephew, Tahir Forte, Great Nieces, Gissele Gates, Tahirah Forte, and Carmyn Forte. Great Nephews, Evan Gates, and Sir Langston Numa; a special friend, Coach Aaron Holden.  He also leaves his legacy to a plethora of Godchildren, other relatives and friends.