Obituary for Thelma Mozel Forrester

Thelma Mozel Forrester, age 92 of Murphy, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

She was a lifelong resident of the Hiwassee Dam community. Thelma's greatest love was her family and friends. She loved to listen to and sing gospel music. Thelma found joy in tending her yard, planting flowers and growing a garden, especially tomatoes, her favorite. She enjoyed her many years working at the seed orchard with the North Carolina Forest Service.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Zannie Forrester; her sisters, Beatrice Forrester and Marie Floyd; her children, Marilyn LeFevers ("Mickey"), David Holbrooks and Patsy Deaver; her great granddaughters, Tashina Welch and Layla Verner.

Thelma is survived by her daughter, Janet Holbrooks Taylor and her husband, David Rex Taylor whom she called her son; her nephew, Edward Floyd (Brenda), who was close to her heart; her best friend, Annette Williams; six granddaughters, Vera Verner, Cindy Gaddis, Lynn Welch, Jennifer Taylor, Caroline Hickey and Carol Baker; her 12 great grandchildren; and her 17 great great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Reid's Chapel Methodist Church cemetery on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 2pm for family and friends with Preacher Jerry Morrow officiating. Pallbearers will be R.J. King, Dalton Welch, Jason Baker, Edward Floyd, Luke Miller and Dakota Yerby.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.