Margaret Lee Forbes

Margaret Lee Forbes, of Fort Smith, AR, passed peacefully on June 15, 2015 with family by her side. Margaret, daughter of Bob and Aida Beckman, was born in Pawhuska, OK in 1927. She was married to George Forbes and together they had one son, David Lee Forbes. Margaret, a graduate of St. Scholastica Academy, had a lifelong love of music. She was the children’s choir director at her church, would happily play a tune on the piano whenever the opportunity presented itself, and was even named the “dancing grandma” when she took the dance floor at her grandchildren’s weddings. She enjoyed her trips to Arizona to visit her son and his family, especially when it included a trip to her favorite shoe store. Margaret was an excellent seamstress and shared her talent by creating many wonderful costumes for church plays. She was a very active member of First United Methodist Church, serving as pianist for her Sunday School Class (Gleaners), Pacesetters and the Children’s Choirs. She had a beautiful soprano voice and served as a loyal member of the Chancel Choir for many years. She was also a longtime supporter of the Fort Smith Chorale.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Aida; her husband, George; her son, David; and her sisters-in-law, Bryce McCord and Helen Forbes. She leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Jill Forbes; her four grandchildren and their spouses, Glen and Jaimie Forbes, Jeffrey Forbes, Jesse and Lori Lewis (Forbes), Anthony and Carol Contreras (Forbes); and her seven great-grandchildren, Morgan Forbes, David Forbes, Logan Lewis, Chase Lewis, Beau Lewis, Cole Contreras, and Addison Contreras. Margaret will be laid to rest at 2pm on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at the Rose Lawn Cemetery. She will always be loved and remembered by her family and friends and will forever be in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Music Fund at First United Methodist Church 200 North 15th Street Ft. Smith, AR 72901.