Vanessa Nicole Forcum, a bright light and beautiful soul, passed away at Mercy Hospital in Joplin on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 after a brief, unexpected illness. Born, September 25, 1983 in Enid, OK, she moved to Fairland, OK a few years later where she graduated from Fairland High School in 2002. That’s where she met the love of her life and her husband of 21 years, Kevin Forcum. They married in 2004 and eventually settled in Oronogo, Missouri where they have lived for the last 14 years.
Family has always been the cornerstone of Vanessa’s life and her greatest joy was raising her three boys, Carson, 21, Carter, 18, and Collin, 15. They were the light of her life and along with Kevin, the cause of her happiest memories. She’s survived by her younger brother Alex Christophel of Joplin, MO, his wife and their children, her father Dan Christophel of Fairland, OK, and her father Bernie Gonzalez of Fort Worth, TX, along with her in-laws Steve and Betty Forcum of Fairland, OK. She’s preceded in death by her mother, Melanie Christophel.
Vanessa was known in life for her kind heart, genuine smiles, and willingness to go above and beyond for anyone who needed a helping hand. She was a care-giver by nature, and artistically creative with a love for all things glitter. She leaves behind so many who have been touched by her life, love and legacy.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery’s outdoor chapel on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, MO.