Betty Lou Forkum

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Betty Lou Forkum, aged 86, on July 12, 2026, in Paragould, Arkansas. Born on February 14, 1940, in Egypt, Arkansas, Betty lived a life full of love, dedication, and service to her family and community.

An accomplished nurse, Betty dedicated herself to the field of nursing at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center from 1983 until her retirement in 2000. Throughout her career, she served as the evening charge nurse on 3 East, and later returned as the education coordinator for employee education. Betty's commitment to patient care extended beyond her professional life; she was also a Pink Lady with the Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered at the Chateau before becoming a resident herself.

In addition to her nursing career, Betty was dedicated to her faith and community. She served as a Sunday school teacher for many years at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church and was an active member of Brown's Chapel Baptist Church. Betty engaged in various activities at the Chateau, creating connections and friendships that enriched her life and the lives of those around her. Her talents extended to gardening, where she found joy in canning her vegetables and sharing the fruits of her labor with others. Betty loved to travel and experience new adventures, always bringing back stories to share with her loved ones.

Betty was a cherished mother to her daughter, Debbie (Lanz Loyd) Farrell, and a beloved grandmother to her grandson, Chris (Cheryl) Pillow; great-grandchildren, Blayne (Drew) Pillow, Cole Pillow, Will Pillow, Chandly (Hunter) Turner; and great-great-grandchildren, Stetson Turner and Oliver Pillow. She was also a devoted sister to Jim "Doc" (Connie) Foster. Betty's unwavering devotion to her family was evident in her role as a "helicopter grandma," where she took immense joy in nurturing and supporting her grandchildren. Every Sunday, she lovingly prepared meals for her family, a tradition that reflected her caring spirit.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Albert "Tab" Forkum; parents, Ernest Claude and Mary Lee Foster; cherished daughter, Sherry Ann Forkum; two sisters; and three brothers.

A funeral service to honor Betty will be held at Heath Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday evening July 14, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Following the service, Betty will be laid to rest in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following in honor of Betty's lifelong dedication to her community and the care of others. She will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of compassion, family devotion, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Chateau on the Ridge

2308 Chateau Blvd, Paragould, Arkansas 72450

Belle Meade

2200 Chateau Blvd, Paragould, Arkansas 72450

Mt. Zion Cemetery Association

P.O. Box 98, Walcott, Arkansas 72474