Kathy Dale Forrest

February 12, 1953-

December 10, 2016

 

Kathy Dale Forrest, 63, of Kentwood, LA died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on December 10, 2016. Born February 12, 1953 in Magnolia, MS, she was preceded in death by her parents, Robert “Dale” Forrest and Catherine “Joyce” Blades Forrest. Kathy Dale was involved in numerous organizations in her community. She was an active choir member at her home church of First United Methodist Church in Amite. As the Justice of the Peace for Ward 2, she performed marriage ceremonies for numerous dear friends and former students. Two positions she held dear to her heart were Board of Directors of Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau and Relay for Life Breast Cancer Awareness Advocate, both of which led to numerous lifelong friendships. Her most treasured memories were of singing and playing in the Show Boat Band with her brother and fellow musician friends. Kathy Dale will be remembered by hundreds of former students as a most cherished and influential high school Biology teacher for 21 years. She was co-owner with her brother, Craig, of Forrest Hill Dairy since 1984 and was no stranger to hard work. A skilled entrepreneur, she was the former owner of two successful local restaurant locations of The Smoke House. She was an outstanding basketball player who lead her Spring Creek High School team to the state playoffs and was a fierce barrel-racing competitor, who loved her horses dearly. A favorite pastime in her later years was spending time with relatives and friends at her and Craig’s camp in Manchac,  fishing, running trout lines, catching crabs, and singing karaoke. Kathy Dale always took pride in her work, countless accomplishments, and everything she was involved in, and unconditionally loved her family and countless friends. She never met a stranger and always put a smile on everyone’s face when she entered the room. She lived a full life and thoroughly enjoyed traveling to unique and extraordinary places with special friends and co-workers. Kathy Dale was smitten by her great-nephews and niece, all of whom will miss her dearly and hold a special place in their hearts for her. She is survived by her one and only sibling, Norman “Craig” Forrest and wife, Pam; nephew, Trent Forrest and wife, Macy; niece, Traci Forrest Jennings and husband, Ryan; great-nephews, Connor and Kale Forrest and Parker Jennings; great-niece, Peyton Jennings. There will be a celebration of life for family and friends at Spring Creek Baptist Church on Monday, December 12, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Services will continue on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 from 8:00- 11:00 am., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Spring Creek Cemetery. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to her oncologist, Dr. Saux, during her battle, St. Tammany Hospice services for their support in her final days, and McKneely Funeral Home of Amite and Kentwood. Condolences may be left in Kathy Dale’s online memorial at http://www.mckneelys.com.