Ruby Joy Forker

Joy Forker, age 93 of Sturgis, KY passed away Friday, February 13, 2026 at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville. She was born August 6, 1932 to the late Willie Boyd Gray and Frankie Sowers Kennedy in Wheatcroft, KY. Joy was a member of Grangertown Baptist Church. She retired from Bell South telephone company in 1982 after 23 years and worked as a clerk at Thornsberry Grocery Store. Joy graduated from Sturgis High School as a member of the 1950 graduating class.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Forker; her sisters, Dorothy Paris and Pauline Banker; her brothers, Roy Mason, Boyd and Bobby Gray

Survivors include:

Son: Jeffrey Leon Forker and wife Sarah of Madisonville, KY

2 Daughters: Melissa Cowan and husband Ronnie of Sebree, KY

Pam Nelson and husband Pastor Carl of Hanson, KY

6 Grandchildren 10 Great Grandchildren 2 Great-Great Grandchildren

The service will be 1PM on Tuesday 2/17/2026 at Whitsell Funeral Home in Sturgis. Pastor. Carl Nelson will officiate. Visitation will be 10AM until service time at the funeral home. The burial will be in Slaughters Cemetery. Memorial contributations can be made to Grangertown Baptist Church PO Box 204 Sturgis, KLY 42459