Laura Taylor Forbes

Laura Taylor Forbes, 83, a cherished and loving soul, left this world on Friday, August 22, 2025, at her daughters’ home, where she was surrounded by her devoted family. She was born on August 16, 1942, in Alamance County, to the late Robert Russell Taylor and Daisy Agnes Pender and was the wife to Herman Gather Forbes who survives. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love and laughter.

Laura dedicated a significant portion of her life to caring for others. She began her career as an employee at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill and later retired from Broughton Memorial Hospital in Morganton, NC, where she served as the Secretary of the Director of Nursing. Additionally, Laura spent her final years working at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Conover, NC, where her impact was felt by all who knew her.

A proud member of Community Baptist Church, Laura was affectionately known as the "Hugging Lady”, a title that epitomized her loving nature and her gift for making people feel cherished. Her compassion extended far beyond her professional life; she volunteered with Hospice, offering her kindness and support to those in need. Laura found joy in singing and her soft, sweet voice brought light and hope to countless moments.

Laura is survived by her beloved husband of 32 years, Herman Gather Forbes; her loving and devoted daughter, Laurie Ann Thomas and her husband, Michael "Mike."; a step-son, Dennis Michael Forbes and his wife, Stephanie; her grandchildren that she adored, Nicholas "Nick" Thomas, Justin Buckner and Glenn Williams, Jr.; her step-grandchildren, Elizabeth Forbes, Charlotte Forbes, Victoria Forbes and Josephine Forbes; great-grandchildren, Memphis Quakenbush and Lindsey Quakenbush; her loving brother, Keith Taylor; her sister-in-law, Hettie Moore; as well as several nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory. She has now been reunited with her parents, Robert and Daisy Pender Taylor; a daughter, Brenda Faye Buckner; her grandson, Jacob Lee Quakenbush; her siblings, Eva Gail Taylor, Faye Taylor Alcon and Robert Earl Taylor; and her brother-in-law, Bill Moore.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Community Baptist Church by Pastor Nicholas Holloway, Pastor Michael Holloway and Pastor Dave Winstead with the burial to follow at Alamance Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7pm Tuesday evening at Lowe Funeral Home & Crematory and other times at the residence in Graham. Laura was truly a beacon of light in the lives of many, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who had the privilege to know her.

Memorials may be made to Community Baptist Church, 1124 Hanford Road, Graham, NC 27253. You may send condolences and watch the video online at www.lowefuneralhome.com.