Shirley Joan Forbes, 77, of Dawsonville passed away Sunday January 12, 2014 at her residence following a period of declining health. Born November 3, 1936 in Oakland, Nebraska to the late George and Alberta Rough, she had lived in Dawson County for the past 19 years having moved from Lockport, Illinois. Mrs. Forbes retired from Rockwell International in Lemont, Illinois after over twenty years of service. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, William Denton “Bill” Forbes, Sr., and a brother, George Edward Rough. Surviving are her children, Melody Yeary, Joliet, IL, Valerie Spanos, Joliet, IL, William D., Jr. and Denise Forbes, Dawsonville, Julie Forbes, Cumming, Marc Forbes, Kilgore, Texas, Jennifer and Don Bilthuis, Wilmington, IL, Jason Forbes, Joliet, IL, Jessica and Stevens Phillips, Kilgore, Texas; stepdaughter, Shari Schoeppey, Oklahoma; 19 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday January 18, 2014 from 4 until 7 with a prayer service being held at 7 p.m. Rev. Sammy Harben will officiate. Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com. Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.