Verna Alice Shelby Forrester

Verna Alice Shelby Forrester was born on March 20, 1943 in Savannah, Tennessee, the daughter of the late James Vernon and Camilla May Robetson Shelby.

On February 12, 1965, she was united in marriage to Roy Nolan Forrester, who preceded his wife in death on December 14, 2016.

When she was around 8 years old, Verna moved to Caruthersville, Missouri where her family worked growing cotton. She attended school in Steele, Missouri until her junior year when she and her family moved back to Hardin County, Tennessee, where Verna would graduate high school. She later went to a business college in Memphis and graduated from Draughon's Business College in Nashville, Tennessee and went on to work for Bill Fox Insurance Company, WalMart, and Dr. JT Lassiter until her retirement. Verna was a member of Graham United Methodist Church, Hardin County Home Demonstration Club, and Savannah Art Guild. She was also a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts. Verna enjoyed painting, home demonstration, and cooking.

Verna Alice Shelby Forrester departed this life on September 24, 2025 in Savannah, Tennessee, at the age of 82 years, 6 months, and 4 days.

She is survived by her son, Derek Forrester of Savannah, Tennessee; sister, Shirley Irene Shelby of Savannah, Tennessee; grandchildren, Gina Morton, Casey Johnson, and Jessie Forrester; and great grandchildren, Addison Morton, Atlas Morton, Alaric Morton, Matthew Johnson, Catelynn Johnson, Awbree Johnson, and Laylah Johnson.

In addition to her husband and parents, Verna was preceded in death by her son, James Matthew Forrester; brothers, Eugene Shelby and JW Shelby; sister, Dorothy Bullington; and grandson, Dallas Austin.