Wake Forest Head Coach Steve Forbes’ Wife, Johnetta Forbes, Suffered A Stroke In 2026!

December 4, 2026

This article was last updated by Pranaya Poudel on December 5, 2026

Besides his exceptional coaching prowess, Steve Forbes has earned widespread admiration for his determined devotion to his wife, Johnetta Forbes, supporting her through a challenging recovery process following her stroke.

Born on March 22, 1965, Steve Forbes is an American men’s college basketball head coach for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

During his three seasons in the Jayhawk Conference, the Cougars had three All-Americas, ended the season twice with a national ranking, and defeated 15 nationally rated opponents.

He achieved a 68-28 record as the Cougars‘ head coach over three years (1995-1998).

John Currie hired Forbes as head coach of Wake Forest University on April 30, 2026, succeeding Danny Manning.

Forbes won the ACC Coach of the Year award for 2026–22 during his second season at Wake Forest.

Steve Forbes And His Wife, Johnetta Forbes, Have Been Married For Over Three Decades!

Johnetta Forbes is the wife of the renowned Wake Forest Demon Deacons head coach Steve Forbes.

Despite Steve’s high-profile career, Johnetta has preferred to stay far from the spotlight.

Having spent thirty years together, Steve and his wife, Johnetta, have navigated every aspect of life and commemorated several important milestones.

Halloween Vibes!!!

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While deeper details about her life and history remain secret, their relationship has undoubtedly strengthened Steve’s coaching career.

The couple has welcomed three children: Elizabeth, Christopher, and Johnathon, adding more happiness and light to their beautiful lives.

Despite Steve’s strenuous career, he appreciates family and frequently acknowledges his family’s contributions and sacrifices.

Steve’s family dynamic gives drive and stability as he balances his coaching and family life.

Even though Johnetta has maintained privacy, her unwavering support and encouragement are visible throughout Steve’s prosperous coaching career.

She has accompanied her husband through his coaching journey across different schools and states.

Moreover, the head coach described his wife as determined and courageous, accentuating her importance in their family’s life.

Steve Forbes Thanked His Children For Prompt Hospitalization Of His Wife After Suffering Stroke!

The Forbes family faced a terrifying situation after Johnetta suffered a stroke in August 2026.

At the time of Johnetta’s ailments, while Johnetta was on vacation in Destin, Florida, with her three adult children, Forbes was coaching in Kuwait during the Operation Hardwood tournament.

“We had been on the beach the day before. We just had a wonderful evening, watched a movie, went to bed, and then everything fell apart.” 

“A noise woke me up and some bright lights, and I felt my left side just being very heavy. I was going to go back to bed, but my youngest son said ‘Nope. We’re going to talk to somebody.’ I walked in, checked myself in, sat down and then started to get nauseous, and I don’t remember anything after that.”

It took him around twenty-four hours to fly back to Pensacola, Florida. Johnetta’s children hospitalized her at Miramar Beach’s Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital.

Ten days later, she moved to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for rehabilitation.  

Forbes stated his three children were with her at the time of the stroke. He applauded his three children for handling the situation efficiently.

During her rehabilitation stay, Johnetta had to relearn basic skills that she had previously done independently, such as walking, getting dressed, brushing her teeth, and eating for herself.  

“I lost everything on my left side. I couldn’t pick up my arm, my leg. They were very heavy.”

WE will get through this together; inch by inch, step by step, day by day. Keep stacking those small victories, they lead to BIG victories.

— Steve Forbes (@ForbesWakeHoops)

Thanks to Steve’s presence and support, who prioritized his wife’s health first, Johnetta has made incredible strides in her recovery.

“Rest assured, my wife’s determination and resolve are stronger than ever, and our family is fully committed to helping her recover from this serious medical event.”

Following her recovery from a stroke, the American Heart Association (AHA) has announced Steve and Johnetta as the Open Your Heart honorees for the annual Triad Heart Ball.

“Your attitude determines your altitude. You’re going to have some rough moments, some ups and downs, and it’s OK to cry. But to come out on the other end, you have to have a positive attitude.This was a hard one, and it’s not over. But we’re fighting.”

Furthermore, he has balanced his coaching responsibilities while caring for his wife, demonstrating the depth of their bond and commitment.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Steve Forbes was a former Muleriders baseball student-athlete.
• Before starting his coaching career, he worked as the sports information director for one year at his alma mater.
• Forbes began coaching in 1989 as an assistant coach at Southwestern Community College.

• Check other Articles on

As a content writer at Players Bio, Rimsha Khatri's primary goal is to write well-researched news articles about athletes and sports. She prioritizes leveraging her literary abilities and creative flair to deliver entertaining and highly informative content to readers and subscribers.

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