Lou Ray Forsythe

Lou Forsythe

May 25, 1930 - May 1, 2026

Ellie Lou Ray Forsythe passed away peacefully at age 95 on May 1 in Kosciusko, MS.

Lou was born in McCool to the late Ruby Graves Ray and Richard Gaston Ray. She was the second of five children. Soon after graduation from McCool High School, she left home to work as a waitress at the Blue & White Restaurant in Tunica, Mississippi. She later worked as a traveling teletypist for the railroad. Lou moved to Memphis,Tennessee, where she was a switchboard operator for South Central Bell. There she met and married Bernard Eugene Forsythe, gaining three bonus sons, Mike, John, and David.

Lou and Bernard moved to San Antonio, Texas, where they managed several family businesses together. She later retired from The UT San Antonio School of Dentistry. Lou and Bernard were married for 41 years until his passing in 2001.

Lou's hobbies included fishing, boating, camping, and birdwatching. She was happiest when outdoors or spending time with family and good friends. She is remembered as being a gracious and generous lady with a sweet spirit who loved to laugh.

Lou is survived by her sister, Virginia Bailey Oliver (Roy) of Kosciusko; granddaughter, Ashley Forsythe of San Antonio, Texas; son John Forsythe (Melissa) of Terlingua, Texas; and two great-grandsons, Braedon Smith and Carter Smith. She is also survived by her “family” of friends and caretakers at The Willows of Mississippi, Kosciusko, and Gentiva Hospice. She was preceded in death by her son, Dwight Forsythe; grandson, David Forsythe; sisters, Emma Jean Jones, Lona Russell, and brother, Johnny Ray. She was a member of Kosciusko First Baptist Church. A graveside service at Doty Springs Baptist Church is planned for the family. Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.