Ginger Willene Forbis

Ginger Forbis, age 90, a longtime resident of Goodlettsville, TN, passed away April 6, 2026. She was a woman of quiet strength and enduring compassion, known for her kind and caring nature as well as her selflessness and humility. She approached life with an eagerness to learn and a genuine desire to share knowledge, reflecting her deep appreciation for education. Guided by her faith in God and a lifelong love of music, she lived with purpose and grace. Her legacy is most profoundly felt in the lives she shaped—as a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a dedicated teacher—leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Ginger was born in Texline, Texas on October 7, 1935. She was the fifth born out of six children to Vivian and W.C. Parks. The family later moved to Alvin, Texas where Ginger grew up and graduated from Alvin High School. After graduation she attended Corpus Christi University. While at UCC she met the love of her life, Wesley Forbis. They would be married on May 31, 1957, and shared over 54 years together. She received her Bachelors of Music Education the next year in May 1958. They would go on to celebrate all of life’s beautiful moments and create memories to last a lifetime.

They moved from Corpus Christi, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee where Wesley could further his education. During these early years of marriage Ginger worked the late night shift at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee doing various clerical duties. In 1962, Wes and Ginger moved their family to Liberty, Missouri. Ginger was the church secretary at Second Baptist Church, Liberty, Missouri where the family were members as well. In 1964, she obtained her Missouri teaching license and started her career in elementary music. She taught at the first Kearney Elementary school in Kearney, Missouri.

After making a final move in 1981, from Liberty/Roosterville, Missouri to Goodlettsville, Tennessee where she was a Davidson County substitute teacher for a few years before accepting the position of elementary music teacher at Davidson Academy where she taught for over 20 years. Her personality shone, as she used her ability to connect with her students with love, which resulted in creating an elementary music program of the highest caliber. She presented many yearly choir performances, musicals, and many more events. Each year, a new fifth grade class learned Handel’s “Messiah.” She was deeply loved by students and parents alike for her authentic approach and deep desire for success for each and every one of her students.

Ginger was an accomplished pianist who took lessons from a very young age. Walking each week to her classes with her coins in her pocket to pay for her lessons. She shared her talents of playing the piano with her church. As a young teenager she became the accompanist at First Baptist Alvin, Alvin, Texas. From there, upon entering her freshman year of college, her talents landed her the position of piano accompanist for the choir at UCC. Throughout her life she continued to play for church choirs full-time and then would fill in as necessary. Ginger also directed the children’s choir at First Baptist Church Goodlettsville, Goodlettsville, TN where her musical talents and love of children were evident.

Ginger accepted Jesus life at the age of 9 years old and was baptized. She lived out her faith in her unconditional love, selflessness, kindness and always putting others first. Without question her family’s legacy that she grew up in she also lived out by her unwavering devotion and loyalty to her husband and family. Often described as “classy,” and “elegant,” she was the most down to earth person who never asked for help, but used such phrases about herself as “I gotta get er’ done,” or “I’m a tough ole’ broad.” Her work ethic aside she always maintained being present in her relationships with her family and others. She had a smile that radiated and a hilarious silly and funny side that always ended in giggles.

Ginger was, in every sense, an extraordinary woman whose presence left a lasting mark on all who knew her. Known for her remarkable green thumb, she had a rare gift for nurturing life. She had the ability to transform even the smallest seed into something vibrant and thriving. Her flower beds were nothing short of breathtaking, filled with color, care, and quiet pride. Her generosity outshone even her gardens, she was the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back without hesitation, always putting others before herself. A friend to everyone she met, she carried warmth, kindness, and sincerity in every interaction, making each person feel seen, valued, and welcome.

Ginger is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years together until his passing in 2011, Wesley Forbis. She is preceded in death by her mother and father Vivian and W.C. Parks, sisters Lynn Parks and Joan Roach, brothers Neil and Don Parks, sisters-in-law Lois, Helen and Yvonne Parks, brother-in-law’s William Roach and Frank Scott.

She is survived by her three children, Lisa, Clif (Barbara), Katrina (Bryan), along with 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Sister Judy Scott of Alvin, Texas; brother and sister-in-laws Keith and Joanne Forbis of Hollywood, Florida, and Bill and Sharon Strain of Salado, Texas; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to her sister, brothers-in-law, and sister-in-laws who faithfully were involved in her life, even with the distant and obstacles.

An additional thank you to all the staff, care helpers, nurses, and especially Tiffany Vaughn at Stone Creek Memory Care for their kind and compassionate care. Thank you for giving her dignity, particularly while meeting her where she was at and giving her the gift of giving and showing her love back.

The family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ginger Forbis Memorial Fund at Davidson Academy (1414 W. Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, TN 37207), established for the piano program to honor her more than 20 years of dedicated service. Contributions may also be made online at davidsonacademy.com under the Development tab.