Barbara Joyce Forester

Barbara Forester passed quietly in the early morning of November 2, 2023 in Bedford, TX. She was born December 11, 1935 to Warren Thornwell "Red" Abbott and Louisa Joyce Mitchell Abbott in Graham, TX. She attended schools in Graham and Sweetwater before graduating from Big Spring High School in 1953. She married Wade Edwin Forester, Jr. on September 7, 1957 in Big Spring, TX, and celebrated 57 years of marriage before his death in January 2015. Following Wade's US Army tour of duty, they returned to Sweetwater, TX, where they welcomed sons, Warren and Scott to their household. The family moved to Hurst, TX in1968 where they were active in the boys' schools, scouting, and athletic programs. Barbara worked as a Food Service Manager for HEB ISD until retiring in 2001. Barbara was an active member of The Crusaders Class at First Baptist Church of Hurst, TX until her mobility began to decline. Her four grandchildren were blessed to live near her as they were growing up. She and Wade were frequent attendees at Swim Meets, Little League, Basketball, Volleyball and Football games, choir and band concerts, theater performances, and student art shows. She was known to yell, "Rebound!" at any and all sports events and claimed that there was a Barbara-shaped spot on her bench in the basketball gym at LD Bell High School. She and Wade loved taking the grandkids to the zoo, circus, museums, parks, family reunions, and their lake cabin. For day-trip picnics, she could be counted on to bring fresh strawberries, grapes, chips, and pimiento cheese sandwiches on white bread. She was a terrific collector of antiques, favoring R&S Prussia plates and Blue Willow dishes. She dearly loved entertaining, often enlisting Wade and the grandchildren to help her set out the good silver and the fine china. She opined that food tasted best served on fancy dishes. She enjoyed Bible Study, reading, travel, collecting Victorian treasures, spending time at the family lake house in Blackwell, TX, exploring Texas Forts Trail, and TALKING! The creed by which she lived and loved was, "If it moves, talk to it. If it doesn't move, talk to it anyway." Before the days of unlimited long-distance, she'd spend at least an hour a day talking with her mother in Big Spring. Barbara admitted that she'd often hide the telephone bill from Wade... Her telephone kept her an active participant in the lives of those dear to her, and she maintained consistent email correspondence with her grandchildren into adulthood. Despite declining health in recent years, she kept a good attitude and was thrilled with the arrival of her third great grandchild in September. She was a true Rangers baseball fan, and, while she was unable to actively watch the World Series, we believe that she remained on this earthly plane long enough to be able to share their victory with her father once she got to heaven. She was a precious soul, wonderful mother, generous mother-in-law, fabulous grandmother, and loving friend. Friends and each of her family members can attest to the fact that things shared in confidence with her were never passed on to another soul or used against them. She loved Jesus and walked with God daily. She'd say that Salvation is like pie - it's so good that you just HAVE to share it. She is survived by son, Warren Forester (Rae Ann) of Grand Prairie, TX, son, Scott Forester (Elizabeth) of Bedford, TX, grandson, Aaron Forester (Diana) of Austin, TX, granddaughter, Katherine Lowry (Manzy) of New Braunfels, TX, grandson, Ethan Forester of Martinsdale, MT, and granddaughter, Sarah Forester of Atlanta, GA, as well as three great grandchildren, Flossie Forester, Caleb Forester, and Townes Lowry. She was dearly loved and is already missed. Donations in her memory can be sent to The American Cancer Society, or charity of choice. Graveside service will be at 1:00 PM, Friday, November 10, 2023 at Roscoe Cemetery, Roscoe, Texas ("that God-forsaken cotton field") next to her beloved Wade. Visitation and Memorial Service will be at 2:00PM, Saturday, December 2, 2023, Baker Chapel, First United Methodist Church, Grand Prairie, 122 N Center St, Grand Prairie, TX 75050

Barbara Joyce Forester

December 11, 1935 - November 2, 2023