Gladys Forester, Texas native, longtime Jackson resident, supporter of the arts, and founder of two popular Jackson businesses, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025 in Franklin, Tenn. Gladys Edwina Maresh was born in Nelsonville, Texas to Lydia Stalmach Maresh and Edwin Jerry Maresh, second generation Texas - Czech immigrants. Gladys was a graduate of Bellville High School and attended Texas State College for Women. She married Smithville, Texas native Marcial Davidson Forester in 1950, following his graduation from the University of Texas. The couple lived in Refugio, Texas, welcoming three sons and a daughter there, and in Palestine, Texas before eventually settling in Jackson, all in connection with Marcial’s career as a petroleum engineer in the oil business. Gladys completed her degree in education at Mississippi College in 1969. She taught fourth and sixth grade at McWillie Elementary School and substituted for the Jackson Public Schools. In 1979, Gladys opened The Paper Place with Bettie Payne McGehee. From its modest beginnings inside Fridge’s Fireside, the retail store soon grew to become a go-to spot for stationery and gifts. Gladys helped guide many Jackson and out-of-town brides in choosing wedding invitations, china patterns and gift registry. Within a few years Gladys would oversee the store’s expansion and, much to the excitement of her grandchildren, the addition of The Toy Place. After enjoying a successful 40-year run, she closed both stores in 2019.
Gladys was a longtime and faithful member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church where she lent her beautiful alto voice to the church choir. In her early years, she taught Sunday School and delivered Meals on Wheels. She was a member of Meh Lady and Petroleum Auxiliary luncheon clubs where many friendships were enjoyed over the years. Traveling was a favorite pastime of Gladys and Marcial. Many entertaining stories were told of trips to England, Scotland, and Prague. She and Marcial were patrons of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, New Stage Theater, Mississippi Museum of Art and The International Ballet Competition. While they enjoyed the local arts, above all, they took immense pride in attending live performances and sporting events of all their children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 61 years; her son, David Michael Forester; her grandson, William Forester Richardson; her daughter-in-law, Margaret Anne Johnston Forester; her brothers, Edwin Jerry Maresh, Jr. and Lee Nel Edward Maresh; and her sister, Doris Stonestreet. Gladys is survived by her sons, Marcial D. Forester Jr. and Mitchell Andrew Forester (Stephanie) and her daughter, Marcia Forester Richardson (Scott). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Davidson Forester (Angela), Matthew Forester (Brighton), Andrew Forester (Katy), Maggie Forester Scarbrough (Taylor), Katherine Forester, and Kathleen Richardson, and by her great grandchildren, Pearson and Rowan Forester, Carlisle and Lucille Scarbrough and Peter Forester. She is also survived by her sister, Joydene Ternus, her sister-in-law, Barbara Maresh, and many nieces and nephews.
The family appreciates the tireless efforts of many caregivers in both Jackson and Franklin, Tenn., with Alive Hospice, Nashville and most importantly Keandra Shaw for her compassionate care. Thank you all.
A celebration of life service will be held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 620 Briarwood Drive, Jackson, MS 39211 or a charity of your choice.
