1941
Nelda
2023
Nelda Forbes
September 23, 1941 — January 23, 2023
Nelda Jean Cook Ketchem Forbes, 81, was called home to be with the Lord on January 23, 2023 in Picayune, MS. Family and friends take comfort that she is completely healed and more alive than ever before as she joins in eternal worship at the throne.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lumon and Loza Cook, husband Herbert “Sam” Ketchem, and her dear son Jeffrey Ketchem.
Nelda is survived by her loving husband A.W. Forbes, daughters Kathy Ketchem Gabriel, Jan (Jack) Burks, Jill (Jeff) Burks, son Scott Forbes, and sister Jan Cook Leach.
Cherished grandchildren include Brandi Ketchem Taylor, Cameron Gabriel, Landon Gabriel, Joshua (Emily) Burks, Jared (Katie) Burks, John Burks, Lauren Burks (Bo) Travis, and Sara Burks. Her precious great-grandchildren include Xyler Koss, Amelia and Daisy Taylor, Adalynn, Liam, and Ryleigh Burks, and Talon Ard.
Nelda was born September 23, 1941 in Many, LA. She began her career as a telephone operator with South Central Bell, retiring in 1976 to be a stay at home mom to her children. Although her world was crushed in 1986 with the loss of her son, Jeff, she exemplified God’s gift of peace and perseverance throughout her life. She returned to her career as a switchboard operator at Slidell Memorial Hospital, working 30 more years until her retirement in December 2021. Nelda had an admirable work ethic and loved every one of her coworkers immensely. She was compassionate, servant-hearted, and generous. Above all, she loved the Lord, declaring so even as death was imminent. She cherished the 23rd Psalm and exemplified its promises to all around her.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you honor her life in the way she lived:
•Give generously without thought of recognition or return
•Meet each day with a smile
•Love those who are hurting
•Forgive when you’ve been hurt
•Be an encourager to those around you
•Freely share what God has done in your life
In doing so, you will extend her legacy for generations to come.
A private graveside service will be held at Antioch Baptist Church in Florien, LA at a later date.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lumon and Loza Cook, husband Herbert “Sam” Ketchem, and her dear son Jeffrey Ketchem.
Nelda is survived by her loving husband A.W. Forbes, daughters Kathy Ketchem Gabriel, Jan (Jack) Burks, Jill (Jeff) Burks, son Scott Forbes, and sister Jan Cook Leach.
Cherished grandchildren include Brandi Ketchem Taylor, Cameron Gabriel, Landon Gabriel, Joshua (Emily) Burks, Jared (Katie) Burks, John Burks, Lauren Burks (Bo) Travis, and Sara Burks. Her precious great-grandchildren include Xyler Koss, Amelia and Daisy Taylor, Adalynn, Liam, and Ryleigh Burks, and Talon Ard.
Nelda was born September 23, 1941 in Many, LA. She began her career as a telephone operator with South Central Bell, retiring in 1976 to be a stay at home mom to her children. Although her world was crushed in 1986 with the loss of her son, Jeff, she exemplified God’s gift of peace and perseverance throughout her life. She returned to her career as a switchboard operator at Slidell Memorial Hospital, working 30 more years until her retirement in December 2021. Nelda had an admirable work ethic and loved every one of her coworkers immensely. She was compassionate, servant-hearted, and generous. Above all, she loved the Lord, declaring so even as death was imminent. She cherished the 23rd Psalm and exemplified its promises to all around her.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you honor her life in the way she lived:
•Give generously without thought of recognition or return
•Meet each day with a smile
•Love those who are hurting
•Forgive when you’ve been hurt
•Be an encourager to those around you
•Freely share what God has done in your life
In doing so, you will extend her legacy for generations to come.
A private graveside service will be held at Antioch Baptist Church in Florien, LA at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nelda Forbes, please visit our flower store.
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