December 12, 2025, 90, Goldsboro — Maxine Forehand Suggs, 90, entered her eternal home and went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, December 12, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of her devoted family. Her life was a testimony of faith, service, and unconditional love, and her legacy will continue to shine through all who were blessed to know her.
Born on February 18, 1935, in Wayne County, Maxine was the daughter of the late Ben Forehand and Eva Forehand. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Leon Franklin Suggs; and her sisters, JoAnn Bass and Betty Corbett.
Maxine dedicated many years of faithful service as an administrative assistant at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Through her gentle spirit, warm smile, and compassionate presence, she brought comfort and reassurance to countless patients, families, and coworkers. Her kindness reflected her deep Christian faith, and she was often a quiet source of encouragement to those she encountered.
A devoted and lifelong member of Pikeville Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, Maxine faithfully served the Lord and her church family in numerous roles throughout the years. She was a Sunday School teacher, choir director, Ladies Auxiliary president and treasurer, an active servant with the Goldsboro District Ladies Auxiliary, and a dedicated leader of the Prayer Warriors. Prayer was the foundation of Maxine’s life. She stood faithfully in the gap for her family, church members, and friends, always ready to intercede for anyone in need of comfort, guidance, or a word from God. Her prayers were heartfelt, powerful, and offered with unwavering faith.
Family was the greatest joy of Maxine’s life. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an extraordinary grandmama and great-grandmama. Her home and heart were always open, and time spent with family was treasured above all else. When her health began to decline, Maxine moved into the home of her daughter Gwen and son-in-law, Jerry, where she was lovingly cared for by family. This season was a true blessing—bringing peace and comfort to Maxine and reassurance to her loved ones that she was surrounded by love.
Beyond her family, Maxine loved everyone she met and lived out her faith daily, truly being the hands and feet of Jesus. Her gentle compassion, steadfast faith, and servant’s heart touched countless lives, leaving a lasting impact that will not soon be forgotten.
Her memory is a blessing, and those who loved her find comfort in knowing she has heard the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. at Pikeville Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church. A service celebrating the Christian life of Maxine will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, with Pastor Mark Whitfield officiating. Interment will be held at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
Maxine is lovingly survived by her daughters, Cam Sauls and Gwen Pate and husband Jerry; her son, Frank Suggs; her cherished grandchildren, Jeremy Pate, Bryan Pate, Adam Sauls (Leanna), Erica Epps (Jake), Beth Jones (Nate) and Will Suggs (Kelly); and great-grandchildren, Addi Pate, Malichi Suggs, Zephaniah Suggs, Jackson Jones, Elowen (Winnie) Sauls and Crew Jones.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Pikeville Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, 336 Nahunta Road, Pikeville, NC 27863.
