Mary was born on August 06, 1935, in the Centerpoint community in Drew County, AR to the late Obed Brown and Bernice Arnold Elemore. She was also preceded in death by her husband Frank ''Jack'' Forrest, a son-in-law Robert Spence, a great-grandson Brett Burke, sister's Peggy Ashcraft, Beatrice Collier, Delores Haas and her brother's Buck Brown and Scott Brown.
She had a true calling for nurturing and taking care of people. She worked in the Drew Hospital for many years. When she was 40 she decided to go to college. She graduated in 1978 with her degree as a Registered Nurse. After working in the hospital, she went to work at Potlatch in Arkansas City as the Plant Nurse. After retirement from the mill she decided that being at home was not what she wanted to do. So she worked at Potlatch when they needed her and also went to work at Home Health in Lake Village. All throughout her life she was a dedicated, smart, hard worker and always enjoyed what she did. But what she loved most was being a Mother to her children and Granny to all of her grandchildren. Her family gave her so much joy.
Granny was a beautiful person. She was loved by everyone. If you met her once then you had a true friend for life. She was a wonderful mother not only to her children but to everyone else's children. She treated them like they were her own. Her heart was always full and her arms were always open, along with her kitchen because she always loved to cook and feed anyone that came to her home.
She is survived by her sons Edward Forrest and Michael Forrest (Alice) of Monticello and Chris Forrest (Gloria) of Hamburg. Three daughters Anita Spence and Wanda Bodiford (Timmy) of Monticello and Jackie Rhodes of Star City. She has 11 grandchildren Jenny Cokley, Tanya Loveless (Josh), Bambi Burns (Michael), Jonathan Rhodes (LaTisha), Destiney Castleberry, Shelley Glidewell (Timmy), Blake Forrest (Sarah), Nicholas Forrest (Cecily), Cody Forrest (Kelsey), Devon Forrest (Jason), and Jessica Forrest. She has 22 Great Grandchildren. They include Tyler Griffin (Kayla), Hunter Rhodes, Garrett Burke, Larkin Adcock, Ashton King, Kayser Rhodes, Olivia Wood, Alexandra Loveless, Dalton Glidewell, Trenton Forrest, Kearston Glidewell, Levi Forrest, Kacyn Rhodes, Jalynn Rhodes, Hallie Forrest, Cadence Pieroni, Alyse Kincaid, Emma Forrest, Tucker Forrest, Jonathan Rhodes, Jr., Tillie Forrest, and Annie Forrest. In addition, she has 4 Great-Great Grandchildren Hunter Griffin, Anna Kate Ross, Jace Griffin, and Natalie Griffin.
Visitation will be Friday, September 23, 2022, from 6-8 p.m. at Stephenson Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello. The funeral will be Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. in the Chapel at Stephenson Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello. Burial will be in the Union Ridge Cemetery with Brother Larry Clements officiating.
Pallbearers will be Mark Winstead, Gary Funderburg, Randy Forrest John Spence, Jr., Blake Forrest, Nicholas Forrest, and Garrett Burke.
She will be missed terribly. This is not goodbye. We will see you later because we know you will be waiting on us.
Condolences(5)
John B McGaha iv
McGehee, AR Tuesday, September 27, 2022 This lovely lady patched me up and sent me back to work on too many occasions :). God bless her and her family.John McGaha
Mc Gehee, AR Monday, September 26, 2022 Such a beautiful and caring lady. When she worked at the mill she cared for me through several first aid incidents. Prayers to her family.Shelia Ratledge
Owasso, OK Thursday, September 22, 2022 Shelly and Ashton ,Danny and I are so sorry for y'alls loss we extend our sincerest condolences to the family of Ms. Mary . We will be praying for you all now and in the days ahead.Judy Williams (Forrest)
Mt View, AR Thursday, September 22, 2022 Love to all of you. This earthly home will be much emptier without Aunt Mary. Heaven will be rejoicing their newest angel. When I was a child I felt like I was always welcome at your home. I hold special memories of those years. Aunt Mary will truly be missed. Love and prayers, JudyGlennis Holland
Hamburg, AR Thursday, September 22, 2022 So very sorry for your family and their loss!In Christian Love
davis and Glennis Holland