Mary Sue Forsythe

Mary Sue Forsythe was born in Newbern, Tennessee on March 2, 1932 to Elzie Jacob and Dellie Irene (Holloway) Butler. She always talked about how she and her family would pick cotton. She had very loving parents and grew up with old fashion southern values. As a young girl, Mary accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized. She married Burns Freeman Forsythe and became an Army wife on May 3, 1953 in Mississippi. Her husband retired from the Army after 22 years of service and she was very devoted to her husband and her two sons Burns Jr. and Raymond. In 1969 Mary and her husband moved to Laquey, Missouri and lived in the same little house for over 40 years. She and her husband won several contests for the best outdoor Christmas decorations. After moving to the Laquey area, Mary began attending Idumea Baptist Church and was a faithful member until her health prevented her from doing so. Mary moved to Auxvasse, Missouri when her health began failing, and she began attending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with her family. Even though she was stricken with Alzheimer’s, she was never confused with singing the hymns and could still recite the Lord’s Prayer. Mary loved to read, she had hundreds of Harlequin Romance Novels. She had a very green thumb and her flowers were beautiful around her house. Mary helped her friend Evelyn Lewis at the Laquey School with chili suppers and other fund raisers for the children. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW, until her health rendered her unable to continue. Mary kept every single letter that her husband and sons sent her when they were away serving our country. She also kept every single thing that belonged to her sons from their tiny little first ball gloves to their G.I. Joe toys. She was loving and kind. She loved to hug and kiss everyone, especially children. The nursing staff at Fulton Nursing & Rehab loved her dearly, loved her humor and her hugs, they have expressed their grief very deeply. She was a blessing in the lives of her family and many happy memories are left behind. Some memories are very funny, even after Mary became ill, she still could make a whole room full of people burst out laughing with her humor, and she would just laugh right along. Mary loved her dogs. They were her constant companions for several years while she lived at home alone. She brought them with her when she went to live with her son and family. Mary also enjoyed watching sports on TV and watching her grandchildren’s sporting events. Mary's favorite color was bright pink, from her lipstick to her shirts to her fingernails. The pink was like her personality, vibrant, beautiful, and cheerful. Mary went home to be with her Lord at 9:10 p.m., Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at the Fulton Nursing and Rehab Center at the age of 77 years, 5 months and 16 days. Mary leaves to cherish her memory two sons: Burns Freeman Forsythe, Jr. (Deborah) of Albuquerque, NM and Raymond Jacob Forsythe (Penny) of Lake Ozark, MO; one sister: Nancy Butler of Phoenix, AZ; one brother: Murry Butler of Lincoln, NE; one brother-in-law: Paul Forsythe of Humbolt, TN; caregiver: Jessica Hooks (Thomas) of Auxvasse, MO; 10 grandchildren: Burns F. Forsythe III, Heather R. Probert, Tabitha N. Tharaldsen (Ricky), Shane Swanson, Michelle McCoy, Heather Swanson, Chassity Nevels (Charles), Brittany Wilson, Eric, Wilson and Meaghan Wilson; 7 great grandchildren: Burns F. Forsythe IV, Etahn R. Tharaldsen, Slade Swanson, Shelby, Charlie, Arzella and Thayne Nevels; several other relatives and friends. Graveside services were held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 22, 2009 in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville with Rev. Larry Harris officiating. Serving as escorts were family and friends. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mary Forsythe and may be left at the funeral home.

Mary Sue Forsythe

March 2, 1932 - August 18, 2009