COLERAIN, NC – Leona Gibson Forehand, age 86, passed away on September 30, 2016 at the Three Rivers Health & Rehab Center of Windsor, NC.

Mrs. Forehand was born on June 29, 1930 to Carl Fisher and Lula Smyth Gibson in Richwood, WV. Leona was a hardworking, dedicated farmers’ wife most of her life. She was a very loving, caring, and nurturing mother that was always doing for others. Leona was a faithful member of Colerain Baptist Church where she served in many different capacities, such as Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, and was a very loyal servant to the Lord. She was very proud to serve on the Bertie County Board of Social Services and was a member of the Home Demonstration Club for many years. Leona loved her family and friends and will be deeply missed by all that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Fisher Gibson; mother, Lula Smyth Gibson; husband, Talmadge Baker Forehand, Sr.; two sisters, Lou Smith, and Betty Clifton; and two brothers, Jimmy and Gene Gibson.

Leona is survived by two sons, TB “Jack” Forehand and his wife Phyllis of Colerain, NC, and Carl Forehand and his wife Pam of Macclesfield, NC; two grandsons, Joey Forehand of Bunn, NC, and Donald Forehand and his fiancé Emily Proctor of Fountain, NC; granddaughter, Carla Baker and her husband Bryan of Elm City, NC; two great-grandsons, Braeden and Reed Forehand; and great-granddaughter, Rayleigh Baker.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at 11:00 am at the Colerain Baptist Church, Colerain, NC, with the Rev. Gary Saffel, officiating. The burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Colerain, NC. The family will receive friends following the interment at the Colerain Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, and other times at her home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the Colerain Baptist Church in memory of Mrs. Forehand or you may make a contribution online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search, type Leona Forehand.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Forehand family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.