Ina Beth Forrest

Ina Beth Forrest, longtime Mexia businesswoman, passed away in Mexia on December 28, 2020 at the age of 89.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 31, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jen Pick and 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 9:00 a.m. on Thursday.

Ina Beth was born September 10, 1931 in Jewett, Texas to Alva Cecil “Bully” and Ina Odessa Capps Brotherton.  She was a longtime 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 October 21, 1950.  They were blessed with two children, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  She was proud of her family and always involved and supportive of any activities in which they were participants.  She 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 the First United Methodist Church.  She, also, willingly took care of many other relatives.

Ina Beth enjoyed entertaining and putting on social events.  Another of her favorite pastimes was playing Bridge; she belonged to a Bridge Club for many years.  Ina Beth was a good player and always looked forward to the next game time, it couldn't come soon enough.  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, CO; 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, CO; 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.