Darlene Gail Forehand

Darlene Gail Forehand, 68, of Elizabeth City, passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Born on March 22, 1958, Darlene was the daughter of Curtis Oliver Forehand and Elsie Virginia Dail Forehand, both deceased. In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by three brothers, Ronald Forehand, Donald Forehand, and Sherland Forehand.

Survivors include her two daughters, Earlene Gregory and husband, Willie, and Caroline Leary; four grandchildren, Ayden Green, Gavin Green, Olivia Green, and LileeAnn Estes; and brother, Carl Forehand.

Darlene was a strong-willed, independent woman who lived life on her own terms. Strong in spirit and determined in nature, she was a woman who faced life with resilience and strength that those who knew her will never forget.

Darlene found joy in the beauty of the world around her, especially her yard and flowers. Her love for gardening led her to serve as secretary of the Coastal NC Daylily Society, where she shared her passion for flowers with others. She also held a lifelong love for horses and the beach, finding happiness in the things that had always been close to her heart.

A talented and creative craftswoman, she turned her appreciation for nature into beautiful seaglass art, which she proudly displayed and sold at local craft shows. She had a special fondness for dragonflies and a loyal devotion to Duke basketball, two more things that reflected her unique personality and interests.

While she was a woman of remarkable independence and strength, her family held a special place in her heart. She deeply loved her daughters and her four grandchildren they gave her, who were among the greatest blessings of her life. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Zoie, her faithful companion.

Her working life was as varied and hardworking as the woman she was herself. Over the years, she drove a school bus, worked with the Chowan County Parks and Recreation, drove a dump truck, was a bookkeeper, and worked in concrete testing. She was never defined by one role or one path, but by her willingness to work hard, take on different challenges, and make her own way in life.

Darlene leaves behind a legacy of strength, independence, creativity and love. She will be remembered for the life she built, the beauty she created, and the family she cherished. To her daughters, she was more than a mother. She was an example of strength, independence, and resilience. She was the strongest woman they had ever known, and her strength will remain a part of them forever.

A memorial service celebrating Darlene’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home Chapel, Hertford, NC with Pastor Ken Littleton officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the funeral home, and all other times at the residence, 145 Ferry Road, Elizabeth City, NC.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC is assisting the Forehand family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.