Michael Otis

Forest

Michael Otis Forest made his entrance on the world stage April 24, 1963. His parents Charlie Edward and Mary Lizzie Forest were extremely happy as were his siblings and extended family.

Michael has now exited that stage. It happened on September 23, 2026 in the wee hours of the morning. Like other family members, friends and talented artist, he has left us wanting more.

It is comforting to imagine Michael reuniting with his parents, Mary Lizzie and Charlie Edward as well as his brother, Charles Edward Jr. as they have preceded him in life’s grand finale.

Left to mourn Michael are his sisters, Bettye Ann Williams (Lloyd), Rosmary Forest-Epps (Gerald- Keith) and sister-in-law, Juanita; nieces, Adrienne Williams Davis (Rikki), Lauren Williams, Ericha and Victoria Forest; and nephews, Gerald Keith Epps, II, Greyson Epps, and Austin Davis; aunts and uncles that will miss Michael include Mary Forest, Willie Mae Furline, Ruth Williams (Jimmy), Samuel Haskins and James Haskins (Janice). Michael will also be missed by a multitude of cousins, friends, classmates and colleagues.

Michael acknowledged his belief in Christ through baptism at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Red House, Virginia) and participated in the youth programs (choir, Sunday School). He graduated in 1981 from Randolph Henry High School (Charlotte Court House, Virginia). Michael, representing the Assembly of Charlotte competed against four other finalists for the Edwin Lynch Music Scholarship. He won. Thus Michael, was able to pursue his love for music at Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music (Shenandoah University).

Michael completed his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Shenandoah University (Winchester, Virginia). He had additional training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, the Wolf Trap Opera Company and Santa Fe Opera Company.

Michael performed on many stages and in concert halls; including the New York Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, and the Kennedy Center. He performed in Ireland, France, Austria, Spain, and Italy.

Michael’s longest professional role was Associate Professor in the Music Department teaching voice at Shenandoah University.

Trinity Episcopal Church (Upperville, Virginia) acknowledged that Michael was a huge blessing to their congregation. He sang in the choir for many years until his health began to decline.

“A warm human being”, kind, funny, generous, “a dear friend”, “wonderful teacher”, a great tenor, “a brother to me” are just a few words and phrases used to describe Michael by friends, colleagues, students and family members. Some simply said, “I loved Michael”.