Mary Jackson Forsythe, 92, of Port Neches, Texas was welcomed into God's Heavenly Gates on Saturday, January 21, 2023 to spend eternity with her departed friends and loving family. Mary passed peacefully in her home from her Earthly being with her son, Newton Forsythe by her side.
Mary was born by the blood of Nellie O’Lea McGarrahan and David Curtis Jackson on January 4, 1931. Mary was welcomed into Heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; her loving parents, David and Nellie Jackson; her wonderful sisters, Janice Byram and Peggy Weldon; her brothers, Stephen “S.D.” Jackson, Chester “Chet” Jackson and Robert “Butch” Jackson; and her daughter, Paula Underhill.
Those left to cherish Mary’s memory and the legacy she leaves behind include her dedicated son, Newton Forsythe; Newton’s sons, Eric and Aaron Lagneaux; her departed daughter, Paula’s children, Heath Underhill and Heather Pugh; her brother and last surviving sibling, Harold Jackson. She is also survived by six additional grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
During Mary’s working years, she worked at The Mid-County Chronicle Review, The Port Arthur News, The Beaumont Enterprise, Tri-Supply and the Golden Triangle Convalescent Center. Mary also owned and operated her own business, “Especially for You” where she hand painted on clothing that was seen throughout Southeast Texas and beyond.
Mary was a 1950 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and attended Lamar University. She was a past active member of the American Business Women’s Association, the Texas Artist Museum Society, the Port Arthur Art Association, the Nederland Art Guild as well as being active in many local political organizations. Mary loved serving her Church and her ministries for the Lord were plentiful. She had a special love for teaching the Lord’s word to her Sunday school classes at Trinity Baptist and lastly at First Baptist Church Nederland. Mary’s ministry extended into the hundreds of chalk and black light shows she presented at many Churches, Civic Clubs, Assisted Living Homes and at many other venues in which she was asked to share her ministry. Mary’s artistic talents, she said, were given to her in her young teenage years to be shared through the Lord’s working hands. Mary even carried her ministry into organizing the musical group, “The Glory Group” which played Blue-Grass and Gospel Music throughout Southeast Texas. Make no mistake, although Mary only stood to be 5’4” tall, she was a Christian Force to be reckoned with.
Mary was born again of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ when she was only eight years old at Memorial Baptist Church. Proverbs 31:10 says: “Who can find a virtuous Woman, for her price is far beyond rubies.” Mary was just that, a virtuous Woman. Her greatest impact on anyone who knew her, no matter how briefly, was her purity of heart, her genuineness, her sincere compassion and her unwavering faith and trust in our gracious Lord Jesus Christ. It was Mary’s strong faith that encouraged and inspired others to be better people and to be more giving with a forgiving heart. She was a true steward of the Lord and she always strived to be honest and walk a true Christian walk.
As a friend, when someone needed help, Mary was always the first to arrive and the last to leave. She placed others before her own needs and was always known as a loyal, trusting and supportive friend. Her passion and creativity spilled over into remodeling homes that others would easily pass by. She loved the beach and enjoyed entertaining her friends with something as simple as sharing morning coffee to organizing full blown, music filled gatherings with plenty of food for everyone to share.
Although Mary had many challenges, she never failed to continuously praise God for another day, regardless of how difficult and challenging that day might have been. Her difficulties and strife in this life have now ended. She now has her glorified body in Heaven and her Crown of Glory will shine forever more.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday evening, February, 3, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Melancon's Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas. Mary's Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, February 4, 2023. Those wishing to arrive early for viewing and fellowship are welcome to arrive at the funeral home at 8:30 a.m.