Betty Payne Forrest

Betty Payne Forrest, 82, of Abilene, passed away on December 24, 2020 from ovarian cancer. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 28, at 2 pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Betty was born at home, in Gaines County, on April 19, 1938. Her parents were Lamar Payne and Lou Mattie (Stark) Payne. Betty graduated from Dawson High School in Welch, TX, as valedictorian. She received her Bachelors degree in education from McMurry College. She went on to earn her Masters from Sul Ross. Betty married Carroll Forrest on August 5, 1960, in Seminole, TX. She taught elementary school in Odessa for 27 years. During her time as a teacher, Betty was awarded first place in the state of Texas for her excellence in teaching free enterprise. She was actively involved in her church in Odessa, Highland United Methodist. She mentored youth, taught elementary Sunday school classes, worked with VBS, and helped with many outreach programs. She was also a member of the local Bible Study Fellowship in Odessa. During her time in Abilene, Betty was active in the senior program at First United Methodist Church. She and her husband loved to travel and had been to all 50 states as well as four continents. Betty enjoyed reading and sewing, especially making quilts for family. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Ault Lamar Payne and Lou Mattie Stark Payne, and her brothers, Curtis Payne of San Antonio, Rev. Richard Payne of Anson, and Albert Payne of Oklahoma City. Betty is survived by her husband, Carroll Forrest; her daughter, Shellie Forrest Warren (John); daughter, Shirla Forrest Hutto (Greg); and four grandchildren: Tara Warren Moore (Trey), Joshua Hutto, Bethany Hutto, and Isabella Hutto. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church or the Salvation Army. The family of Betty Forrest wishes to extend our sincere thanks to First Methodist Church for all of their support through this difficult time to Jill, a special employee and friend, and to Hendrick Hospice – especially Brenda Pate – for all their love and care.