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Mr. Ola Forbes, Jr., 89,  a resident of Chocowinty, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home.

A public celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 5 at Wayside Presbyterian Church in Chocowinity conducted by his nephew, Pastor Worth Forbes and his brother Pastor Bill Forbes.

Ola was born in Pitt County, Greenville, NC October1932 to the late Ola and Edna Smith Forbes.  After graduating Greenville High school, he attended  PJC – Presbyterian Junior College in Maxton, NC between 1952-1953.

Ola was in the Army between1954 – 1956 and received an Honorable discharge.

He received his Certificate of Ordination in 1957 at Bethel Baptist Church in Arkaldelphia, Arkansas.  He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1958 from Ouachita Baptist College in Arkaldelphia, Arkansas and a Master of Arts from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC in 1965.  On September 9, 1956 he married Gloria Thomason.

He was employed with the Pitt, Beaufort, and Pamlico County school systems as a French and English teacher.  During this time he farmed and ran a hog farm operation.  He shepherded his beloved goats and sheep as his favorite hobbies along with taking long walks and enjoying nature. Ola was the Pastor of Wayside Presbyterian Church for 52 years ministering to his faithful congregation.

Survivors include two daughters Lisa Carrow and husband Tony of Pinetown, Olive Waters and husband Jeffray of Chocowinity, one son, Jason Forbes of the home and three great grandchildren,  Amanda Cumbo of Jacksonville, Dillon and Austin Weaver of Wake Forest, two brothers, twin Tom Forbes of Washington, and Bill and Gloria Forbes of Grand Junction, CO and numerous nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Gloria Forbes, two grandchildren Gary Wayne Peed, Jr. and April Elaine Weaver, one great grandchild, Hunter Weaver, and one sister Ann Forbes Bell.

Special thanks for the prayers and support from our Church family and caregivers during this time of need.

Flowers are welcomed and may be delivered to Wayside Presbyterian Church from 9:00 am until 10:30 am prior to the service and memorials may be made to, Wayside Memorial fund, P.O. Box 70, Chocowinity, NC  27817.

The Forbes family is honored to have Cotton Funeral Home to serve their family at this time.