INA BETH FORREST
Ina Beth Forrest, longtime Mexia businesswoman, passed away in Mexia on Dec. 28, 2020, at the age of 89. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 31, at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jen Pick and the Rev. Maurine Day officiating. Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery. Jeff Forrest, Ragan Forrest, Jett Forrest, Blair Austin, Blake Austin and Jason Thomas will serve as pallbearers.
Visitation with the family will be prior to the service, beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday.
Ina Beth was born Sept. 10, 1931, to Alva Cecil “Bully” and Ina Odessa Capps Brotherton. She was a lifelong resident of Mexia and a graduate of Mexia High School, Class of 1948. She owned and operated Casual Fashions in Mexia from 1960 – 1995. During her 35 years in business, Ina Beth hired many young high school girls to give them the opportunity to earn extra money as well as learning the value of good customer service.
Ina Beth married her lifelong partner, Rex Jackson “Jack” Forrest on Oct. 21, 1950. They were blessed with two children, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was proud of her family and was always involved and supportive of any activities in which they were participants. She was not only going to be in attendance at every event, but a willing worker wherever needed. In addition to all the kids’ activities, Ina Beth traveled all over around the world with Jack on Rotary business. She was a longtime active member of First United Methodist Church. She also willingly took care of many other relatives.
Ina Beth enjoyed entertaining and putting on social events. She was one of the last true “Southern Ladies” that knew how to set a table and, at the same time, make everyone feel at home. She was an immaculate housekeeper and an excellent cook.
She was preceded in death by her parents, A. C. “Bully” and Ina Odessa Brotherton; husband Jack Forrest; and brother James Brotherton.
Ina Beth is survived by her son, Robert J. “Bobby” Forrest and wife Melissa, of Mexia; daughter Nancy Austin and husband Mickey, of Denver; grandchildren Jeff and Sunnye Forrest, of Lorena, Tracy and Jason Thomas, of Southlake, Blair and Jacqueline Austin, of Dallas, and Blake and Ashley Austin, of Denver; great-grandchildren Ragan Forrest, Jett Forrest, Taylor Thomas, Tiffany Thomas, Jackson Austin, Charlie Austin and Lucia Austin; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Rotary Club of Mexia Building Fund, P.O. Box 225, Mexia, TX 76667.
