Zelma Ann Forbes Lofton

Zelma Ann Forbes Lofton, 86, of Gautier, Mississippi, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family on January 6, 2026.  Zelma was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Estus Crawford Forbes and Clara Elizabeth Simmons Forbes on September 12, 1939. 

Zelma was graduated from East Jefferson High School (Jefferson, Louisiana) and attended Southwest Junior College, (Summit, Mississippi),  Southeastern University (Hammond, Louisiana) Southern Mississippi College, (Hattiesburg),  earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, and the University of Mississippi, (Oxford), earning a Master of Science Degree in Elementary Education.  

While attending Southwest Junior College in Summit, Zelma met Billie Joe Lofton, the love of her life.  Their courtship culminated with a Christmas wedding on December 18, 1960 and they celebrated 65 years of marriage December 2025.

Zelma's teaching career spanned 22 years throughout the State of Mississippi. Zelma taught third and fourth grade children at Vancleave, Rolling Fork, Perkinston, Singing River Elementary School, and, after her retirement, college students in Adult Education at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gautier.

Zelma and her beloved Bill moved to Gautier, Mississippi in August, 1965.  They joined First Baptist Church of Gautier, where Zelma was involved in every aspect of church life.  Zelma loved the Lord and taught her family to do the same. Every morning, Zelma and Bill would read their Bibles and pray for their family and community, a lifelong commitment to caring for others.  

Zelma was dedicated to her teaching profession, but most importantly she was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  She was preceded in death by her parents Estus and Clara Forbes.  

Zelma is survived by her cherished husband of 65 years, Billie Joe (Bill) Lofton, her three children-Cynthia Lofton, Susan (Dr. Buddy) Landry, Dr. Joel (Kerri) Lofton, four grandchildren-Emma Landry, Calton Griff Lofton, Cole (Kennedy) McAlpin, Cade McAlpin, her brother and sister-in-law, EC and Mary Jo Forbes, niece Sally Forbes Methe (Eddie), nephew Greg Forbes, special cousins-Bettie Simmons Douglas, Ed Tate Simmons, and Peggy Sue Simmons Wright, four special bonus grands-Maya, Ryder Grace, and Montana Williams and Lacey Woodward, five loving and dedicated church ladies-Bobbye Lanham, Leonda McDaniel, JoAnn Roberts, Sybil Smith, and Jean Young, and the First Baptist Church of Gautier WMU group. 

Pallbearers for Miss Zelma will be Garry Blakeney, Mike Foster, Dr. Buddy Landry, William L. Lanham, Calton Griff Lofton, Cade McAlpin, Cole McAlpin,  and Randy Young. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacons, Past and present of First Baptist Church Gautier and the Gautier Rotarians, past and present.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Randy Roth, Singing River Hospital System,  Dr. Timothy Ivey and the Vancleave Medical Clinic staff, Hospice of Light, Nurses Ashley, Britney, Heather, Kristy, and Miss D, Dr. Chad Ball, Pastor, First Baptist Church Gautier staff and members, and her treasured Bend neighbors for their love, care, and prayers during Zelma’s journey.  A special thank you is extended to the staff of O’Bryant O’Keefe Funeral Home, especially Miss Tammy and Claire, for their professionalism and care of Zelma’s final arrangements.

Services for Zelma will be held at First Baptist Church Gautier on Saturday, January 10, 2026.  Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM with the service to follow at 2:00 PM.  Interment will follow immediately in Pinecrest Cemetery, directly behind First Baptist Church Gautier.  For those wishing to memorialize Zelma, gifts may be given to First Baptist Church Gautier, PO Box 37, Gautier, Mississippi, 39553.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Zelma Ann Forbes Lofton, please visit our floral store.