Mollie Yeates Forehand

Mollie Yeates Forehand, age 90, residing most recently at The Chesapeake in Newport News, VA and originally from Hertford NC, passed away May 6th surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Mollie lived a life marked by kindness, faith, devotion to family, and compassionate service to others.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Thurman “Pete” Forehand; her parents, Joseph Yeates and Lillie Mae Yeates; and her sister, Ailene Thompson.

Mollie and Pete were blessed with two children and their spouses: Thurman “Pete” Forehand and Kristi Forehand, and Julie Zimmerman and Tom Zimmerman. She was a devoted and loving grandmother to Chad Forehand (Devon), Chelsea Forehand (Ricky), Becca Hardy (John), Jennifer Scully (Nick), and Matthew Zimmerman. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Lily Neal, Julia Scully, Logan Scully, Mollie Forehand, Wyatt Neal, and Laura Kate Scully.

Mollie’s life was centered around her deep Christian faith, her love for family and friends, and her caring spirit. She was a faithful member of Liberty Baptist Church, where she joyfully sang in the choir.

A graduate of Perquimans County High School, Mollie continued her education at DePaul School of Nursing, earning her RN degree and beginning a long and meaningful nursing career devoted to caring for others. She faithfully served patients and families at Albemarle Hospital in Elizabeth City, Hampton General Hospital, as a school nurse for Hampton City Schools, and ultimately retired as the High-Risk Infant Coordinator for the Hampton Health Department.

Though her nursing career touched countless lives, Mollie’s greatest joy was always her family. She treasured gatherings with loved ones, lifelong friendships, and her roots on the family farm in North Carolina, a place she held close to her heart throughout her life.

Mollie’s kindness, gentle nature, and sweet spirit were evident to all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

A graveside gathering will be held to lay her to rest on Saturday, May 16, at 11:00 a.m. at Berea Church of Christ Cemetery, 1664 New Hope Rd, Hertford, NC 27944.

A Celebration of Life will be held later that day at 4:30 p.m. at The Chesapeake, 955 Harpersville Rd, Newport News, VA 23601 with a reception to follow.