Retta Mae Forrester

Retta Mae Agee Forrester was born on November 11, 1928, and passed peacefully from this life on June 7, 2024, at the age of 95 years.
Retta was born to William Robert Agee and Myrtle Lee Culver in Newby, Texas. She graduated from Teague High School in 1944, moved to Dallas. She met the love of her life, and on September 25, 1948 they were married. Bill was a custom home builder and a lay preacher, and Retta worked in data entry for both Sears and Safeway. Three children were born into the marriage. Strong in their faith, they sought to raise their children in the church, giving them a strong foundation on which to build their own faith in Christ Jesus. One of Retta's favorite bible verses was Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he shall not depart from it." Bill and Retta lived this verse as an example for their children to follow.
Bill passed away on June 7, 1972, and Retta became a single parent to 3 preteen children. It was a daunting responsibility, but Retta relied on her faith to help her guide her family through this new and formidable future. Her children will tell you she was a firm but fair disciplinarian. Retta was blessed with eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren each of which she cherished. She purposed to raise the children that God had blessed her with to understand and uphold with the same values and principles she had instilled into their parents.
Retta fulfilled many roles during her lifetime. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, trusted friend and confidant. But perhaps her greatest role was one of a servant. She was never happier than when she was helping someone in need. She never judged, but simply sought to serve in whatever capacity she was able. It was her calling, her mantra, and her pleasure to be of service. Helping others at their point of need was truly her superpower and her greatest joy in life.
The most remarkable thing about Retta was her absolutely unshakable faith in Jesus. Whether as a 60 year breast cancer survivor, a woman thrust into the role of a single mother, or the challenges she faced in the last 16 months, Retta knew that He would provide everything she needed to face whatever came. Retta faced fears and doubt about what the future might hold, but she held fast to the promises of God. And last Friday morning, Retta found herself in heaven in the presence of Jesus. She is healed and whole, reunited with those who went before her. And she will be waiting for all of us who place our trust in Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior. So, as her sweet 3 year old great grandson told her Thursday morning "Love you Mimo! See you later!"
Retta is survived by her son Bill Forrester and wife Cathleen, daughter Tammy Bowman and husband Jim, and daughter Sharla Marrs and husband Richard. She is survived by 8 grandchildren, Adam Forrester (Valerie), Laura Forrester, Emily Forrester (Cody Harmon), Ashley Krawczynski (Brandon), Alicia Morton (Jeremy), Katherine Kapavik (Stephen) Andrew Bowman, and Matthew Bowman. She is also survived by 7 great grandchildren, Dalton, Ella, and Tenley Krawczynski, Ryker Hendricks, Connor Forrester, Olivia Dodge, and Kade Forrester.