Date Of Birth: May 1, 1931
Date Of Death: August 4, 2010
Jo Ann Byrd Forbes, beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully in her home in Westfield, Wednesday, Aug. 4th, at the age of 79 from lung cancer. Jo Ann was born May 1, 1931, in Terre Haute, IN to Clinton and Gladys Byrd. She had two sisters, Barbara Bussard (deceased) and Linda Munro (husband Mike) of Tucson, AZ. She was married to Robert Charles Forbes in June of 1951, in Rochester, NY. (Bob has since passed in 2005.) She attended Christian College in Columbia, MO., and obtained her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Indiana State University. She went on to teach US/World History and Social Studies, as well as Psychology and Sociology. Jo Ann had been actively-involved with Tri Kappa, League of Terre Haute, Women’s Department Club, and she was a former docent at the Swope Art Gallery. In addition, Jo Ann took great pride in participating in Cancer Free Lungs, a non-profit organization that provides knowledge and support through education, prevention and research. She loved classical music and enjoyed playing both piano and guitar. Some of her other interests included decorating and landscaping. Jo Ann is survived by her son, Randy, who resides in California, her son, Kevin and his wife, Ruthie, of Indianapolis. Her daughter Leslie Almack and husband Tim who live in Westfield. Her grandchildren include RJ, Jacquelyn Jo Ann, as well as Benjamin, Isaac, and Nathan Almack. Two step-grandchildren Steven Conine and Jennifer Hall, and four great-grandchildren. Nephews include JC, Kelly (deceased), and Preston Bussard. Also Michael, Robert and Stephen Munro.A celebration of her life will be held on Sept. 12th, at 5:00, at The BridgeWater Club, 3535 East 161st St., Carmel, IN 46033. The family requests that any donations be mailed to Cancer Free Lungs Inc. Box 27, Fishers, IN 46038 – or made online: https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/CancerFreeLungs/OnlineGiving.html
Larry Steinberg says
I do not know Jo Ann, but wanted to share something…while looking through the Star this morning, I saw her photo, and immediately recognized it as a Julie’s Studio photo from my hometown of Columbia, Missouri. Reading further, I saw that I was likely correct, since she went to Christian College in Columbia. It’s pretty amazing how distinctive their style was!
Carolyn Irwin hammersley says
JoAnn’s passing saddened me….I knew her in high school and at ISU.Her attendance at the recent Wiley reunions brightened the gathering for many of us. JoAnn was a vibrant friendly person and I always admired her grace and style….a real lady. My sympathies to all of her family.
Carolyn Hammersley, class of ’49
Amy McConkey Robbins says
Jo Ann was a shining light. I only knew her after her cancer diagnosis, yet she was vibrant, dedicated to teaching young people the dangers of smoking, and whole-heartedly devoted to her children and grandchildren. She explained her cancer situation to me, without a hint of self pity. As she did, those impossibly blue eyes looked right into mine, and in every conversation after that, connecting with those eyes as I spoke to her meant she was paying attention to each word I said. That trait of giving others our undivided attention is a legacy Jo Ann leaves for me to try to live up to.